Chateau Latour 1988

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The deep garnet-colored 1988 displays a complex mineral, earth, and black-currant-scented bouquet, medium body, admirably extracted flavors, and ferociously high tannins. Patience will most definitely be required for the 1988, which may prove to be longer-lived than the 1989. Although an impressive effort, it does not have the sheer power and extract fans of this estate have come to expect. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025. Last tasted, 5/93.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1988 Latour is deep in color, has a complex mineral, hickory wood, leafy, and blackcurrant-scented bouquet, medium body, nicely extracted flavors, but ferocious tannins in the finish. Patience will most definitely be required. Developing more richness and character than I had previously anticipated, it is certainly more classic and typical of Latour than several of the property's more recent vintages, such as 1983, 1985, and 1989. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Christies’ boardroom dinner. This is perhaps the best First Growth from this vintage. At 20-years of age, this has a delightful, cedar-infused nose with dark berry fruits, a touch of scorched earth, tar and graphite all with excellent definition and vigour. Impressive weight on the palate, firm tannins provided a stern backbone but this Latour has mellowed in recent years, less austere than I recall. Tobacco infused black fruits, a pleasant leafiness on the mid-palate with a slight salty tang that I have not noticed before. Surprisingly rich towards the finish, as if the wine had forgotten its vintage and thought it was a 1990! A great Latour considering the vintage and it should cellar for 10-15 years. Excellent. Drink now-2030. Tasted May 2009.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted three times, the first in February 2000 when is appeared very "classic" and "stern". I recommended more cellaring. Then in April 2003 at the Christies' Masterclass: a similar note, slightly deeper in colour than the Latour 1989 with less aging on the rim. A typical austere nose for 1988 with notes of damp earth and tar. The palate is well-balance with tannins slightly softer than before. Very good acidity, quite fresh with excellent definition. For my taste: a bit too tannic and aggressive (more so than Lafite 1988). Will the tannins soften before the fruits dries up? Last tasted December 2004. A deep garnet colour with bright ruby rim. An austere nose of wet sand, tar and pencil lead. Perhaps a bit vegetal? The palate is smooth, less tannic than before. This has loosened up a little. Tannic, dry, tobacco-infused mid-palate with moderate fruit concentration and a leathery finish. Would be fine with food. Drinking now. For those who love traditional claret.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The best showing yet for a wine from this under-rated vintage, the dark garnet-colored 1988 Latour reveals slight amber at the edge. A bouquet of melted tar, plums, black currants, cedar, and underbrush is followed by a sweet entry, with medium to full body, excellent ripeness, and mature tannin. It is a classic, elegant Latour with more meaty, vegetable-like flavors than are found in a riper year, such as 1989 and 1990. The 1988 has just begun to enter its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for 25 years. Anticipated maturity: now-2025