Chateau Latour 1997

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Compared to Lafite ’97, this seems more mature on the nose and lacking the similar sense of harmony. Blackberry, cedar, damson, cigar box – but just lacking some vigour and chutzpah. The palate is better than the nose, harmonious with Latour’s signature firmness. Great definition, more weight than Lafite with notes of blackberry, leather, tobacco and a touch of game leading to a tannic, natural, tobacco-infused finish. A conservative Latour that does not particularly transcend the vintage. Drink now-2018. Tasted September 2006.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1997 Latour will be a surprisingly fine wine, as well as one of the longest lived offerings of the vintage. It possesses lots of tannin and depth, along with medium to full body, and a textured, multidimensional personality. Sweet, jammy fruit is intertwined with dried herbs, coffee, and earth in this saturated ruby/purple-colored wine. The finish lasts for 20 seconds, a positive sign for a 1997. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Latour's dynamic duo of Frederic Engerer and Christian Le Sommer suggested that the 1997 Latour may evolve along the lines of the brilliant 1967 (one of the two or three finest wines of that vintage, and one that continues to provide immense pleasure at 31 years of age. Latour's 1997 (49% of the production made it into the final blend) is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. The harvest began early (September 8) and proceeded intermittently over the following two weeks, ending on September 25. In contrast to the blockbuster 1996 (which I would now rate 96-98+), the 1997 is an expressive, open-knit wine that is already fun to drink. This deep ruby/purple-colored claret offers up evolved aromas of cranberry jam intertwined with black currants and Latour's tell-tale, intense minerality. By Latour's standards it is neither immense nor massive, but rather, elegant with a sweet, ripe attack, velvety tannin, medium body, and a round, graceful, stylish finish. This beautifully knit, harmonious Latour is already evolved for such a young age. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018. Like so many of the 1997s I tasted, Latour's offerings are extremely evolved, soft, precocious tasting wines that are easy to comprehend.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Dark ruby hue with pink rim. Nose is quite tight and closed. Blackberry and a touch of mint. Understated intense palate. Quite rounded with subtle coffee notes. Medium length. Fine Latour but not classic. Tasted February 2000.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A flavorful, savory Latour, without a great deal of density or power, the 1997 exhibits sweet, walnut-tinged, black currant fruit intertwined with minerals and subtle wood. Nicely-textured, with adequate acidity, ripe tannin, and a medium-bodied finish, this smooth effort should drink well for 12-14 years.