90-94 / 100
Noncontractual photographs
Vintage | 1988 |
Rating | 90-94 |
Classification | Médoc - 1er Cru Classé |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pauillac |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Price | More than 300 € |
Château | Latour |
Country | France |
There are 2 other Châteaux in the Pauillac appellation which also benefit from the prestigious title of 1er Cru Classé: Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild.
Latour is the epitome of excellence in good years and bad ones. Among the greatest vintages, the most beautiful achievements of the chateau: 1920, 1929, 1949, 1955, 1959, 1961, 1970, 1982, 1990, 2000.
Created around 1680, Château Latour's vineyard is one of the oldest in the Médoc. At the heart of the estate, the main parcel, called "l'Enclos", is made up of 47 hectares of old vines that are preciously maintained, because only they are able to give birth to the "Grand Vin". The 18 hectares of exterior plots, the vines less than 10 years old and the possibly downgraded cuvées produce the second wine of the estate, "Les Forts de Latour". The wine of Château Latour is an example of regularity regardless of the quality of the vintage. Firm, tannic and concentrated in its youth ...
Read more on the article "Latour, Premier Cru Classé in 1855"
Saint Emilion
Sauternes
CHÂTEAU CHALON - A. PIROU 1988
Château Chalon
Saint Estèphe
Bordeaux
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANEE CONTI 1988
La Tache
CHÂTEAU LEOVILLE LAS CASES 1988
Saint Julien
Though this has always been an outstanding '88, I never thought it was classic quality--but this wine proves otherwise. Ink-colored, with an impressive concentration of mineral, currant and berry flavors. Full-bodied, with huge, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Best after 2005. (JS)
The best showing yet for a wine from this under-rated vintage, the dark garnet-colored 1988 Latour reveals slight amber at the edge. A bouquet of melted tar, plums, black currants, cedar, and underbrush is followed by a sweet entry, with medium to full body, excellent ripeness, and mature tannin. It is a classic, elegant Latour with more meaty, vegetable-like flavors than are found in a riper year, such as 1989 and 1990. The 1988 has just begun to enter its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for 25 years. Anticipated maturity: now-2025.