The bottle is a heavy one – statement bottles are not just the current bling. The capsule spins and the cork comes out in almost 3 pieces – fortunately none into the bottle. On pouring there’s quite a mahogany caste to this wine, but it looks to retain a nice core of of clear red colour in the glass. The nose starts quite understatedly, a little sweet musk, low-level turned leaves – perhaps there’s something to be said for flash pasteurisation in killing the brett. Slightly thick texture, the acidity starts with a slighly harsh edge but I’m impressed by the burst of energy and flavour in the mid-palate. If I’m honest the acidity adds a touch of austerity rather than delivering a mortal wound, though I’m not convinced enough to splash the cash for the meaining bottle. The last third is consumed on day two and if not perfect, it’s just a little softened with a chocolate depth and it lingers well. I’d rebuy on day two…
Latour Louis
2002 Latour Louis Corton Château Corton Grancey
2008 Latour Louis Corton-Charlemagne
2006 Latour Louis Bâtard-Montrachet
2005 Latour Louis Chambertin
1983 Latour Louis Montrachet
Golden. Deep and sweet nose with butterscotch and lanolin. The palate is intense without weight. Very nice acidity though lower than some – but that doesn’t seem to have harmed it. Overall a very impressive wine that has depth and still plenty of ripe fruit, but just missing an extra zip for the absolute top prize.
1989 Latour Louis Corton Château Corton Grancey
Looks relatively pale as you pour the wine, but gives a surprisingly deep amber/brown in the glass. The nose seems to be of a much more ancient vintage than 89, but it’s sweet and a little meaty, still a little stewing, pruney fruit. The palate has depth, good acidity and still a little rasp on the (mostly) resolved tannins. It’s a perfectly mature and perfectly pleasant wine – not one to get overly excited over though.