1998 Château Latour

A cold spring followed by intense summer heat waves pushed Latour's old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon to heightened concentration in 1995, with harvest occurring under ideal dry conditions through late September. The estate's gravelly soils and precision sorting resulted in powerful dark fruits layered with graphite, tobacco and Asian spice notes. The wine shows remarkable balance between its firm structure and the pure Grand Vin character that defines Latour's terroir.

September heat spikes challenged vines, but Latour's deep gravel soils provided crucial water regulation through the vintage's warmest periods. The First Growth's patient October harvest allowed Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve full phenolic ripeness. The wine reveals intense black fruits, iron-tinged minerality, and the profound structure that marks Latour's greatest vintages.

A near-perfect 2000 vintage produced bold, concentrated wines with incredible structure. Latour’s terroir delivered power and finesse, cementing this vintage’s legendary status.

2002 was a year of surprises. A dry winter and spring led to drought concerns, followed by a rainy May. Summer alternated between hot, dry periods and storms, with a cool August. September brought an unexpected "Indian summer" with sunny, dry conditions. This late favorable weather salvaged the vintage, allowing for a late harvest from September 25 to October 17. Despite earlier challenges, the grapes achieved high sugar concentration, resulting in an excellent vintage that surpassed initial expectations.

The 2004 vintage was marked by extreme rainfall variability throughout the growing season. Periods of excessive precipitation in October, January, May, and August alternated with significant dry spells in December, February-March, June, and September. Flowering occurred under ideal conditions from late May to mid-June. September brought favorable weather, crucial for ripening. The harvest was exceptionally long, with Merlot picked from September 23-30, followed by Cabernets from October 7-19 under challenging rainy conditions. Despite the late rains, the Cabernets were harvested at optimal ripeness, producing tight, rich, and complex fruit. This unusual weather pattern resulted in a vintage that showcased the adaptability of the vineyard and the skill of the winemaking team.

The exceptional 2005 vintage brought ripe, concentrated wines with vibrant acidity. The magnum format enhances Latour’s balance and allows for an extended aging trajectory.

The 2008 vintage began with a warm winter, followed by a cool, wet spring. May saw above-average temperatures, but June to September were cooler than usual. July's drought caused moderate water stress, while August and early September brought frequent rain. Fortunately, late September's dry weather aided ripening. Harvest occurred from September 29 to October 19 under favorable conditions, resulting in grapes with a balance of high phenolic content, adequate sugar levels, and notable acidity. Despite the year's weather challenges, the late-season improvement allowed for optimized grape quality at harvest.

A moderate vintage with inconsistent flowering but a dry summer produced firm, classically styled wines. Latour’s gravel plateau added structure and detail. A vintage of definition shaped by terroir steadiness.

October rains tested even Latour's historic l'Enclos, yet the estate's deep gravel soils and old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon proved remarkably resilient. Precise sorting preserved only perfect berries from the challenging harvest, while the Grand Vin's selection proved ruthlessly strict. The wine displays Latour's signature power with iron-tinged minerality and black fruit precision marking this demanding vintage.

Cool maritime influence from the Gironde proved vital during challenging autumn conditions. The estate's historic gravel plateau and old vines demonstrated resilience through variable weather. Classic cassis notes and mineral depth reflect the First Growth's precision, despite the vintage's demands.

Early summer drought and sustained warmth through August created ideal ripening conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon on Latour's deep gravel soils. September's moderate temperatures allowed for precise parcel-by-parcel harvesting across the estate's prime 47-hectare L'Enclos vineyard. The wine reflects the vintage's power with intense cassis and graphite notes, while maintaining Latour's signature length and aristocratic structure.

While spring frost impacted much of Bordeaux, Latour's prime position near the Gironde estuary provided crucial protection during the critical April period. The estate's deep gravel soils maintained steady ripening through the challenging summer conditions. The wine shows the First Growth's characteristic graphite and cassis notes, with the vintage's freshness highlighting Latour's precision.