2004 Latour
By Chateau Latour
2004 Latour from Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2004 vintage from Château Latour manifests the intriguing parity between the resilience of Pauillac's terroir and the climatic trials of the year. Despite a growing season marked by variable weather, it led to a harvest that instilled a duality of freshness and complexity within this storied wine.
Finesse Amidst Adversity: A Testament to Terroir
The Pauillac appellation is renowned for producing wines with immense cellar potential, and the 2004 Latour is no exception. This vintage's profile is a captivating display of restraint and elegance in a year that saw Bordeaux grappling with fluctuating conditions. The summer warmth was fleeting, culminating in a cooler September that fortuitously preserved vital acidity in the grapes.
A Jewel in the Investment Crown
The finesse of the 2004 Latour lies within its aromatic spectrum—a bouquet where cedarwood vies with blackcurrant for prominence. Swirling this elixir evolves into secondary notes of graphite and subtle hints of tobacco leaf. On the palate, its refinement is evident, presenting tannins that are assertive yet somehow mellowed by age. This consummate balance defines the vintage, distinguishing it as not merely resilient but gracefully expressive.
Investors will appreciate that the 2004 Latour showcases its pedigree through precise structure rather than overt power. It affirms Chateau Latour's philosophy that true quality transcends seasonal whims. While this vintage may have been understated upon release, time has sculpted it into a captivating option for discerning collectors.
Conclusion: A Considered Selection for the Adept Collector
In summation, the 2004 Latour from Chateau Latour is a wine underlined by nuances born of a challenging year in Bordeaux. For investors seeking longevity and finesse, this particular expression from Pauillac stands out as a testament to the adaptability and enduring nature of fine wine. Holding such a vintage in one’s portfolio reflects an understanding that true brilliance can emerge from less heralded years, offering both rarity and rewarding maturity.
Market price (USD)
$5,130.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
280
Scores and tasting notes
Served blind at the chateau. Tight at first on the nose, but unfurling gracefully with cedar and graphite to the fore, underlying sweet, almost exotic fruits waiting in the wings, then with further aeration bilberries and damson. The palate is very well defined, fine tannins, youthful and harmonious, smooth and filigree towards the deft, silky finish. Sublime. Tasted December 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2011
A terrific effort from Administrator Frederic Engerer and owner Francois Pinault, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Latour exhibits a strong cassis character intermixed with notes of crushed rocks, earth, cedar, and forest floor. Racy, elegant, but powerful with medium to full body, and sweet tannin, it will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep for three decades. It is a very impressive offering. Also tasted: 2004 Pauillac (87; $38.00)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #171 June 2007
The 2004 Latour is perhaps evolving slower than I expected, although it remains one of the finest Left Bank wines of the vintage. It has that quintessential graphite-scented bouquet intermixed with blackberry and cedar, although the liquorice note that I observed previously has receded. Again, there is wonderful definition. The palate is full-bodied but surprisingly more sultry than I expected, especially here where I was able to directly compare it with the other 2004 First Growths. It delivers the "authority" you expect from Latour, although I might be inclined just to give it another 2-3 years in bottle. Tasted September 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017
This is surprisingly approachable, especially from a big bottle. It’s soft and fruity with balsamic and sweet tobacco character. Full and round mouthfeel. It will obviously improve with age, but why wait? Served from imperial bottle.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, January 19th 2011