2006 Latour
By Chateau Latour
2006 Latour from Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Embarking on a refined tasting journey with the 2006 vintage of Latour from the iconic Chateau Latour offers a window into a year that, while overlooked by some, presents an ensemble of remarkable complexity and vigor. This particular expression of Pauillac terroir is a paragon of aged Bordeaux, revealing the possibilities that emerge from challenging vintages.
Assessment and Appraisal: The Fine Wine Investor's Guide
The 2006 season in Bordeaux was marked by extremes, yet it served to underscore the deft adaptability and profound resilience synonymous with Chateau Latour. Cooler than the immediate preceding vintages and spared the extremities of heat, 2006 still nurtured a slow maturation that gave rise to a tightly-knit tannic structure and acid backbone – assets that are vital for judicious cellaring potential.
With a stately combination of Cabernet Sauvignon's dominance backed by Merlot's plushness, the 2006 Latour wields an archetypal Pauillac harmony. Dark fruits meld with earthy undertones and a whiff of cigar box – a tribute to properly cellared claret – unfurling in a regal display that thrills astute investors and collectors alike.
Lending itself to longevity, this vintage continues to yield dividends in complexity as time weaves its narrative thread through the wine's evolving character. The keen interest in blue-chip Bordeaux and investment-grade labels earmarks this 2006 offering for continued appreciation.
A Vintage Withstanding Time: A Collector's Testament
The integration of fruit and tannin over fifteen-plus years cements the notion that the 2006 Latour is a testament to the prowess of Chateau Latour's winemaking philosophy. Harnessing the modesty of the year's climatic hallmark, this wine has blossomed into an archetype of grace under restraint in our present era—an exemplar for both hedonistic enjoyment and economic prudence within fine wine portfolios.
Encapsulating the essence of Pauillac with eloquent assertiveness, the 2006 Latour displays its tableau with an assurance that intrigues palates and investment acumen alike. In summary, holder of latent facets now unfurled in their prime, this vintage stands paramount to wise holdings akin to liquid gold.
Market price (CAD)
$7,340.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
294
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The Latour ’06 has a wonderfully defined nose with blackberry, macerated black cherries, a hint of quince jus, graphite and scorched earth. At this early juncture, it comes across as a little sullen compared to the other First Growths, but that will change in time. The palate is medium-bodied with that power channelled brilliantly across the mouth. Vibrant acidity, expanding with each sip; refined with a meaty/dried blood note towards the austere, earthy finish. Beautifully integrated new oak, this is an excellent Latour. Tasted January 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sep 2010
The 2006 Latour performed even better from bottle than from barrel. Only 38% of the production (10,000 cases) made it into the grand vin, a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. From barrel, I thought it was a modern day version of the 1996 or 1986, and certainly the 1996 comparison still holds. I thought it was somewhat austere from barrel, but that is no longer an issue. This is a beautifully rich Chateau Latour boasting a dense ruby/purple color, a sweet, smoky, charcoal, cassis, graphite, and forest floor-scented nose, full body, an attractive freshness, and sweet, noble tannins. This layered Latour is one of the vintage's top dozen or so wines. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009
Not an outstanding vintage overall for Bordeaux, 2006 had the potential to be very good. Things got off to a pretty impressive start in Pauillac this year, and then it all went a bit pear-shaped toward the end with a cool, rainy August and late September. Vineyard diligence and a take-no-prisoners attitude on the sorting table were the keys to relative success here. While it is clear Latour had their work cut out for them with this 2006 release, they managed to produce an incredibly impressive grand vin, which is drinking beautifully now yet should cellar gracefully over the next 20+ years. The 2006 Latour was just released this year and is composed of 91.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petit Verdot. It has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and lovely open nose with florals and red fruit aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and minerally with a compelling iron ore character and great length. 10,000 cases were produced (representing 38% of production).
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2019