1994 Chateau Latour
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June 26, 2005
Pam and I had the privilege of attending "Rockin' in the Barn" at Bud Green's farm last night. It was a fund raising event for the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity. We combined good food, entertainment, a silent auction and live auction.
Many exquisite items were auctioned including a case of the 1994 Grand Vin of Chateau Latour. Several bottles were purchased in the $170 range, a bargain for this highly rated Bordeaux from the highly acclaimed Pauillac region of France. Latour is a consistent winner in this class of fine wines and probably deserves its price point.I happened to have a couple of bottles and with grilled New York steaks tonight decided to try one. Without a doubt, it is superb! It is like drinking silk; smooth, balanced, just enough fruit without being over bearing and the typical French terrior! Can you imagine combining the great wine taste pallets and add rocky soil? Well, you can. This is what makes Grand Vin French wines so intriguing.
Parker rated this wine 94 on a scale of 100 and predicts it will cellar for at least 30-40 years. I'll try my other bottle in about five years. I can't wait!
Viniously Yours,
The Wine Snob
You can learn more about Latour here.
1994 Latour
The weather conditions
A rainy and very mild winter was followed by a very warm and dry month of March which induced an early budding (15 March for the Merlot). On 16 April, a severe frost damaged neighbouring vineyards. A very hot end of April, a mild and damp month of May brought about an early flowering (10 days earlier than normal). June and July were very warm with some stormy showers, ideal conditions for the evolution of the grapes. The traditional summer pruning took place in the second half of July. At the end of August the state of the grapes was fantastic and an exceptional vintage was expected. Unfortunately, from 7 September, a rainy and cold weather settled in, delaying ripening.
Harvest began on 13 September and lasted until the 29th, frequently interrupted by storm showers. But quite amazingly the dilution effect on the grapes was very limited, and thanks to a perfect summer, the vintage was 'saved'.
Vintage quality and tasting comments
The wines are showing a strong personnality : dark ruby colours, aromas of liquorice, orange peel and plum. They improved remarkably in barrels taking body and fatness. In the mouth they are very rich, and despite the very savoury and spicy tannins, they remain rich and very well-balanced. The Grand Vin, in particular, shows an impressive concentration and length. (tasting : May 2000)
Quality: Very good year
The moment for optimal drinking and best way of serving
Grand Vin: A bottle to lay down at least till 2007. Optimum around 2010-2015.
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