Latour 拉圖 2014 (OWC 6)

Description

By Thomas Parker in 2022 (TP97)
Deep, saturated ruby in the glass. The nose is archetypal Latour – graphite and cedar beneath cool, pristine black fruit. There is an easy power and focus to the nose that is savoury and youthful in equal measure. The palate brings the same effortless power, a deep, intense black fruit at the core. Layers of savoury spice, cedar and the lingering graphite tones add complexity. There is the slightest tone of undergrowth, too, showing the early signs of bottle age. Yet, the savoury fruit it to the fore and coated in plentiful, ripe tannins. Though chewy and persistent, they are starting to ease and allow for a surprisingly drinkable edge at just eight years old. The best, however, is still to come. The palate builds to its greatest intensity at the finish, which is very long. This is a perfect example of the northern Médoc’s excellent potential in 2014 – it is certainly one of the wines of the vintage. Superb. Drink now with a long decant and food, or cellar for at least two more decades.

By Wine Advocate in 2022 (WA97+)
The 2014 Latour is one of the very finest wines of a vintage that favored the northern Médoc. Mingling aromas of wild berries and cassis with hints of cigar wrapper, loamy soil, black truffles and classy new oak, it’s full-bodied, rich and concentrated, its broad attack segueing into a deep, tightly wound mid-palate that’s framed by powdery, chalky tannins and bright acids, concluding with a long, mouthwatering finish. This classically balanced, youthfully structured young wine looks set to enjoy prodigious longevity. It’s reminiscent of a modern-day version of a cooler vintage such as 1996, though of course these days maturity is more complete and selection even more rigorous than was the case two decades ago.

By Wine Spectator in 2017 (WS97)
This shows terrific cut and drive from the start, with mouthwatering acidity and a chiseled graphite note leading the way, backed by a core of pure cassis and blackberry preserves. Licorice snap and sweet tobacco details flitter through the finish, where the graphite edge reemerges and sails on and on. Best from 2022 through 2040. 7,632 cases made.