Chateau Latour Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 2015

The 2015 Latour is a blend of 97.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.6% Merlot, and 0.3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet in colour, it needs a little swirling to uncover the latent scents of black and red currant preserves, followed by notes of juicy blackberries, baked plums, and incense, plus touches of graphite and violets. 

The medium-bodied palate is completely filled with energetic black fruit and exotic spice layers, framed by super-ripe, firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a muscular burst of pure black fruit and lingering mineral sparks.

Drink 2024 - 2050

Aromas of iron, oyster shell, rust and stones with blueberries and blackberries. Full-bodied, yet ever so polished and refined. It rolls off the palate with fruit and salty flavours. Tight, focused and always refined. Pretty length. 97% cabernet sauvignon gives this brightness.

Aromatically this floats out of the glass, intense and concentrated but full of light and life. Waves of flavour come at you, from crushed raspberries, pomegranate and blackcurrant to fresher redcurrant and lemongrass set against richer truffles, crayon and smoked earth. Mouthwatering, this is a vintage where you can see the impact of the biodynamic vineyard work, with a greater sense of sculpting and violet floral than you would have found in this Pauillac powerhouse a decade earlier, without sacrificing structure and depth.

As it opens, the sweetness of a ripe vintage comes through in the edges of smoked caramel. A beautiful wine, thoroughly enjoyable, extraordinarily well-handled and set to power through the decades. Harvest September 15 to October 10, 30% of production in the main wine. Hélène Genin technical director. 

Hold +3 years or carafe 4 hours.