Grand Vin de Château Latour (1988)
SommeliAI Insights
A classic 1988 Pauillac with rich blackcurrant, cedar, and earthy notes, offering a full-bodied and elegant experience.
About this wine
The 1988 Château Latour from Pauillac presents a deep garnet color with slight amber hues at the rim, indicating its maturity. On the nose, it offers complex aromas of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, and subtle earthy undertones. The palate is full-bodied, showcasing ripe fruit flavors complemented by hints of melted tar and underbrush. The tannins are mature and well-integrated, providing a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. This vintage is considered a classic example of Latour's style, reflecting the unique terroir of the estate.
About the grape
Château Latour's 1988 Grand Vin is crafted from a blend of grape varieties, each contributing unique characteristics to the wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape, is known for its deep color and robust tannins, providing structure and longevity. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing the firmness of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc introduces subtle aromatic complexity, while Petit Verdot, though used sparingly, imparts additional depth and color. This combination reflects the traditional Bordeaux blend, showcasing the strengths of each varietal in harmony.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1988 Château Latour is renowned for its concentrated aromas of coffee, liquorice, and truffle, offering a lively and full-bodied experience.
- 🌊 The 1988 vintage is considered a classic great year, typical of the Médoc's ocean climate, resulting in wines that are both lively and full-bodied.
- ☀️ The 1988 vintage was characterized by a very dry summer, leading to small, concentrated grapes that promised a great wine.
- 🍇 The 1988 harvest at Château Latour began on September 28 and concluded on October 10, with grapes in perfect health and extraordinarily concentrated musts.
- 🍇 Château Latour's vineyards are planted with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, contributing to the wine's complexity.
Palate profile
Producer
Château Latour, located in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, has a history dating back to at least 1331, when a fortified tower was constructed to guard the Gironde estuary during the Hundred Years' War. The estate's wine production gained prominence in the early 18th century under the ownership of the Ségur family, earning recognition from figures like Thomas Jefferson. In 1855, Château Latour was classified as a First Growth, solidifying its status among Bordeaux's elite wineries. In recent years, the estate has embraced organic and biodynamic farming practices, achieving organic certification in 2018.
