Chateau Latour 2004

WEINWISSER: "Wesentlich tiefere Farbe als beim Pauillac und Forts de Latour, dunkles, tiefes Granat, violette und schwarze Reflexe. Tiefwürziges Bouquet, mit den Teer- und Lakritzenoten an einen grossen Hermitage erinnernd, viel Trüffel, schwarze Beeren, leicht korinthig-trockene Süsse darin. Im Gaumen fest, fleischig, gut bepackt mit Muskeln, Cassis, Trüffel, feste, verlangende, aber in sich recht feine Adstringenz, noch kernige Noten aufweisend, sehr langlebig, sanfte Neigung zur Rustikalität, das wird in 10 Jahren für die nötige Charakteristik sorgen. Entwickeln sich alle Komponenten so weiter, wird der 2004er ein überaus grosser, klassischer Latour werden. Aufgrund der Grösse und Klasse bei den Primeurproben der beste Rotwein des Médoc:"

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "There are tannins, structure and power, but also supreme elegance. The 2004 acidity comes through in the sweet cassis flavors, supported at the back by dry tannins. Currently, the wine is closed up, losing some of its fresh fruit, but this is a moment in its slow evolution towards a classic Latour."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2004 Latour is perhaps evolving slower than I expected, although it remains one of the finest Left Bank wines of the vintage. It has that quintessential graphite-scented bouquet intermixed with blackberry and cedar, although the liquorice note that I observed previously has receded. Again, there is wonderful definition. The palate is full-bodied but surprisingly more sultry than I expected, especially here where I was able to directly compare it with the other 2004 First Growths. It delivers the "authority" you expect from Latour, although I might be inclined just to give it another 2-3 years in bottle. Tasted September 2016:"

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Deep garnet and so utterly different from the Lafite – richer and sweeter and spicier, including the sweetness of chocolate and mocha. Utterly seductive aroma still showing the outline of cassis. Rich and velvety on the palate, too. Such a contrast to the Lafite – and more upfront. The finish is gentle and persistent even though the tannins are still al dente at the end."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Captivating aromas of currant, black licorice and spices, with just a hint of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Structured and racy. Best after 2011. 10,000 cases made."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2004 Latour checks in as a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and a splash of Cabernet Franc, all aged in new French oak. It shows the more elegant, silky style of the vintage, yet with plenty of Latour grandeur and depth in its ripe cassis, smoky mineral, graphite, and saddle leather aromas and flavors. It’s medium to full-bodied, impressively concentrated, and has serious length, as well as another two decades of longevity, although it’s certainly drinking beautifully today."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Surprisingly woodsy, with truffle, cassis, earth, tobacco, cedar chest and blackberry in the developed nose. There is a nice softness to the tannins and fruit. Not yet fully mature, but quite developed for a vintage of Latour at 10 years of age, the wine offers pleasure, refined textures, balance and sweet berries in the finish. Drink now, or wait 5 years for more complexity."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is surprisingly approachable, especially from a big bottle. It’s soft and fruity with balsamic and sweet tobacco character. Full and round mouthfeel. It will obviously improve with age, but why wait? Served from imperial bottle."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, schwarzer Kern, zart unterockert, dezente Randaufhellung. Mit feinen Schokonoten unterlegte reife Pflaumenfrucht, ein Hauch von Veilchen, kandierte Orangenzesten, facettenreiches Bukett. Saftig, extraktsüß, elegant, gut gereifte Tannine, bleibt sehr gut haften, zarter Honigtouch im Nachhall, schokoladiger Rückgeschmack, ein vielseitiger Speisenbegleiter."