2005 Chateau Latour Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Vinous 98

The 2005 Latour is a huge wine predestined for long-term aging. Noticeably deep in color, it has a showstopping bouquet with intense black fruit, graphite and touches of dried blood and tobacco as it considers moving into its secondary phase. But that’s going to be slow coming…it’s in no hurry. The palate is medium-bodied and unapologetically classic in style. I notice this bottle is a little grainy in texture, the salinity perhaps heightened as it enters adulthood. The finish has a tangible sense of tension, but it remains backward and swarthy. Immense. Tasted at Woo Cheong Tea House dinner organized by Paulo Pong. [Neal Martin, 02/07/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2065

Robert Parker 98

The Chateau Latour 2005 has an outgoing and ebullient bouquet with blackberries, wild strawberry, minerals and wilted rose petals. It has great intensity and authority, a bouquet that is polished but not over-buffed. The palate is full-bodied with a silky smooth entry. The acidity is beautifully judged, layers of small red cherries, raspberry and cedar, with graphite revealed towards the long and persistent finish with startling architecture. Outstanding. [Neal Martin, 02/06/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2060

JancisRobinson.com 17.5++

Dark with some ruby edge. Smudgy nose. Relatively light and burnt edges. Not the most focused. Edgy. Lots of tannins but needs time. Sweeter than one would imagine and tannins softer than one would expect. Much softer than expected. Tightens up on the end. [04/06/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035