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Château Latour 1993 1er Cru Classé, Pauillac AC, MC

Ratings & tasting notes

90

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

A terrific wine for the vintage, Latour's 1993 reveals an opaque purple color, a backward, cedar, black walnut, cassis, and earth-scented nose, medium to full body, gorgeously rich, concentrated fruit, moderately high tannin (but no astringency), and a sweet, long, powerful finish. The wine does not possess any of the vegetal, green pepper characteristics of the vintage, nor any hint of hollowness or harshness. This wine may prove to merit an even higher rating. Is this vintage the modern day clone of the 1967 and 1971? Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. Last tasted 1/97

Description

Château Latour is one of Bordeaux's legendary Premier Cru estates, and its wine is synonymous with exceptional quality and longevity. Many consider it to be one of the best wines in the world. Frédéric Engerer, the dynamic director of Château Latour, is driving this idea forward and enjoys the full confidence of François Pinault, the owner. Production volumes have been drastically reduced in recent vintages, so that only the best plots of grapes are used for the Grand Vin. Since the 2011 vintage, Latour is no longer offered as En Primeur, but instead the château only releases the wines when they are considered ready to drink. The Grand Vin of Château Latour is made exclusively from “vieilles vignes” (old vines) with an average age of 60 years in the Enclos. Gravettes, Sarmentier, Pièce de Château... these are the names of some of the best plots that express the character of the terroir and shape the identity of the wine each year. The heart of the Enclos is the only terroir that can produce the depth, elegance, and concentration we expect from a Grand Vin every year. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon (which accounts for more than 90% of the blend) can develop its optimal expressiveness in terms of color, fullness, and freshness. These wines need time—often a decade—before they are ready to drink. The bouquet and tasting impressions gradually evolve, becoming increasingly complex and eventually reaching a peak, after which the tannins soften and the wine slowly loses quality. Beyond enjoyment, these wines can evoke strong emotions and unforgettable moments. Château Latour is known for its ability to produce fine wines even in difficult years.
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Producer/appellation: Pauillac
Wine type: Red wines
Year: 1993
Content: 37.5 cl
Organic/bio dynamic: No