Why it matters
The producer
Château Latour is a First Growth under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. François Pinault acquired the estate through Groupe Artemis in 1993 for £86 million. Since 2015, the entire Enclos vineyard has been farmed organically, with approximately 25 hectares under biodynamic practice. The property is in Pauillac in the Médoc, and its named wines include Château Latour, Forts de Latour and Pauillac de Latour.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Château Latour is in Pauillac in the Médoc. Pauillac also appears in the name of Pauillac de Latour, while Château Latour à Pomerol is a separate property in Pomerol. The two names refer to different places.
Wines to know
The range in view
Château Latour is the first wine, and Forts de Latour is the second. Château Latour left En Primeur in 2011 and releases wines when ready to drink, on average 10 to 15 years after vintage for the first wine and 7 to 8 years after vintage for Forts de Latour.
Pauillac de Latour is also part of the range. Its 2010 bottling is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44.5% Merlot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc. It is sappy and open, with kirsch and anise, violets and a hint of pastis, plus bright acidity.