Chateau Latour 1991

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

After Latour's exquisite performance in 1990, the 1991 is somewhat of a let-down. Nevertheless, it is a candidate for the wine of the vintage because of its concentration and class. After a strict selection, only 11,500 cases were made. The wine offers a dense, dark ruby color, and a reticent but promising bouquet of black-cherries, cassis, minerals, roasted nuts, spices, and subtle herbs. Medium-bodied, with excellent richness, fine glycerin, and aggressive tannin, this ripe, muscular, beefy 1991 needs 5-6 years to shed its tannin; it should last for 15 or more.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind from double magnum at the chateau, it is a long time since I have encountered this off-vintage Latour, which must rank as one of the finest of the vintage. The nose retains a touch of greenness that cannot be ignored; yet there are also attractive aromas of cigar box, graphite and sous-bois. The palate appears to have softened in the last few year and is not as brutish as I recall and there is a lovely spiciness towards the finish. I would not leave it for a long time, but it must rank as one of the finest in this forgettable year. Tasted June 2011.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

First tasted at the chateau in February 1999 when it was showing some signs of greenness on the finish, despite that being impressive overall, especially for a 1991. Tasted again in London June 2004. The nose is immediately more impressive compared to the other 1991`s at this tasting. Black cherry, earth and cooked herbs. Touch of sweet blueberry as well. Still quite backward with firm tannins, pencil-lead and smooth texture. Tasting better now that a few years ago but I doubt it will improve any further (but you never know with Latour.)