Chateau Latour   Latour

1990 Latour

By Chateau Latour

The 1990 Latour from Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux

In a year that has gone down in oenological lore as one of Bordeax’s most remarkable, the 1990 vintage from the venerable Chateau Latour epitomises the sublime synthesis of favourable climatic conditions and meticulous vinification processes. Those privileged to uncork a bottle of the 1990 Latour are treated not just to a wine, but to liquid history, capturing the essence of Pauillac’s rich terroir.

 

A Vintage Year: A Harmonious Convergence

As with all legendary tales, the narrative of 1990 in Bordeaux involves the serendipitous convergence of nature’s whim and human endeavour. The growing season was generous, blessing vintners with optimal conditions – warm yet balanced – which turned vineyards into cornucopias of perfect fruit. Amidst such abundance, Chateau Latour emerged triumphant with grapes characterised by remarkable phenolic maturity, which is vital for the development of this structured yet graceful wine.

 

An Oenophile's Treasure: The Mark of Investment Worthy Wine

The particularities of 1990 speak through its deep hues and intense aromas. As one decants this Pauillac treasure, the room becomes imbued with scents ranging from blackcurrants and cherries to earthy cedar and tobacco – a rich tapestry complemented by an undercurrent of truffles and vanilla from judicious oak aging. On the palate, it presents a complex layering of flavours supported by refined tannins. This is a structured wine that does not merely suggest longevity; it promises it, which is a keystone attribute for those looking to invest in fine wines with potential for appreciation in both value and taste.

The 1990 Latour from Chateau Latour stands as a testament to an era where nature’s benevolence was met equally by man’s expertise. In considering this wine for investment, one must acknowledge that they are not merely acquiring an asset; they are becoming custodians of an extraordinary vintage. As these bottles continue to evolve into their next phase of splendour, now is an opportune moment for collectors to weave the legend of the 1990 Latour into their portfolios.

Current market price

£9,790.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

575.88

Scores and tasting notes

97

Tasted at a private dinner in Zurich. The 1990 Latour, like the 1970, can be variable from bottle to bottle for some inexplicable reason. Fortunately, this is one of the best ones that I have encountered. It has a sensual incense and lavender scented bouquet that unfolds wonderfully: blackberries, bilberry and raspberry intermingling with cold limestone that later reveals tobacco scents and that old mahogany bureau that I have namechecked in previous notes. The palate is full-bodied with more fatness than the 1988 tasted alongside. It is actually more backward than previous bottles, quite focused and structured towards the truffle and cedar finish. Only with 20 or 30 minutes in the glass does it choose to fan out and revel in its class. Superb. Tasted March 2013.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2013

95

This is one of the more perplexing Latours to evaluate. It has plenty of sweetness as well as a gorgeous, rich fruitiness, but it lacks the firmness one finds in more recent great vintages such as 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008. There is plenty of sweet, ripe currant fruitiness, abundant glycerin, and full body, but I’m still waiting for that extra nuance of complexity to emerge. It’s all there, but the wine still seems to be more monolithic than one would expect in a wine approaching 19 years of age. It is not the sure-fire winner I thought it was in its youth, but then again, I don’t have any reason to doubt that more complexity will emerge. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035. Release price: ($1500.00/case)

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2009

Vintage performance