- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2017 Chateau Latour Le Pauillac de Latour, Pauillac, France
Following a cold and dry winter, the growth cycle started with a significant water deficit. In spite of a relatively mild March, vegetative regrowth was curbed by the cool soils so bud break occurred near to the normal time, on 29th March (Merlot) and 3rd April (Cabernet Sauvignon). Significant differences in day - and night-time temperatures were noticeable in April, as well as the lack of rainfall which encouraged an even and regular development of the vines. However, two nights of devastating Spring frost on 27th and 28th April affected 2.6 hectares at Château Latour mainly on plots used to make the Pauillac. Rainfall was moderately higher than average in May, yet concentrated over only 9 days. Coupled with early-summer heat, this encouraged very active vegetative growth and led to an early flowering which took place quickly and evenly in sunny conditions. The first three weeks of June were dry, though 80mm of rain fell in just 5 days at the end of the month, rejuvenating the vineyard, in particular the suffering younger vines. The dry and moderately hot summer with cool early mornings and no damaging heat spikes enabled the grapes to ripen evenly. However, rainfall in the first couple of weeks of September cast a shadow over the harvest.
BLEND
53% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 7% petit verdot.
HARVEST
Picking began on 11th September and continued until 19th
October.
TASTING COMMENT
A superb Pauillac with a deep purple hue. Lashings of juicy
black fruit, a touch of pencil lead and anise with delicate floral
hints. Medium-bodied, it is lively wine thanks to refreshing
acidity, supple tannins and great fruit concentration. Good
linear finish.