Chateau Latour 1996

Classification	Premier Cru Classe
Type	Red
Producer	Chateau Latour
Vintage	1996
Country	France
Main region	Bordeaux
Region	Pauillac
Grape	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux Blend
Volume	0,75
Condition	Perfect, From Original Wooden Case
Label	Perfect
Drinkable	-2048
Stock	12
Volume	0,75
Condition	Damaged capsule
Label	Perfect
Drinkable	2009-2040
Stock	0
Volume	0,75
Condition	Perfect
Label	Slightly bin stained
Drinkable	2009-2040
Stock	0

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (95)

From my cellar, the 1996 Latour is still a very youthful, tightly wound wine, unfurling in the glass with notions of blackcurrants, loamy soil, cigar wrapper and English walnuts. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's built around by ripe, increasingly melting tannins and a bright spine of acidity, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Given this Latour's ruby-black hue and impeccable structure, it still has a long future ahead of it. Today, it really begins to expatiate after four hours in a decanter.

Winespectator (96)

abulous aromas of crushed raspberries, plums and blackberries. Mind-blowing nose. Full-bodied, with soft and silky tannins and a long caressing finish. Hard not to drink now, but leave it alone.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Beautifully ornate nose with equal parts stalk, leaf, herb and black fruit. Freshly balanced palate with delicacy and refreshment, and surprising elegance for Pauillac from a big vintage. Wonderful complexity on the finish, earthy and open and meaty on the length.

Rene Gabriel (20)

Rene Gabriel rates this wine 20/20 points.

BOW (9.5)

Falstaff (97)

Deep ruby-garnet in color, with violet reflections and a subtle lightening at the rim. Notes of black-berried fruit, a touch of licorice and fine oak, with delicate hints of herbs and ripe cherries. Elegant on the palate, displaying good spice and fine-grained tannins, a pleasant sweetness from the fruit extract, and a persistent, tobacco-inflected finish. Subtle red-berry nuances emerge on the aftertaste; excellent length. A Latour that is increasingly hitting its stride—though it need not be measured against the complexity of the truly great vintages. A fantastic bottle.