Despite the higher than normal sugar levels, the alcoholic fermentations took place smoothly and the colour began to show rapidly. Considering the rich tannic structure of the grapes, we adapted the maceration time in order to keep the powerful and silky balance.
The excellence of the Cabernet Sauvignon is once again confirmed in this 2005 vintage. On their own they offer fleshiness, strength, fruit and structure.
It is exactly what we had hoped for following such exceptional weather conditions throughout the cycle from bud burst to the harvest. It has great complexity and at this stage, dominated by extra-ripe fruit (however without over-ripeness) and it shows signs of a powerful wine wrapped with silky and elegant tannins.
Quality: Truly exceptional year.
The moment for optimal drinking: drink from 2025
What the critics say...
Robert Parker: 96 points(01/04/2008)
Only 44% of the production made it into the dense ruby/purple-hued 2005 Latour, a powerful, backward, 12,000-case blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot and Merlot. As I wrote last year, this classic effort is built for the ages, and is largely destined to be drunk by our offspring rather than anyone over the age of 50 today. Complex aromas of crushed rocks, graphite, black cherries, creme de cassis, new saddle leather, and dried mushrooms are still tightly wound. The wine is full-bodied and powerful with exceptionally high tannin combined with zesty acidity, and laser-like focus. It will require 15 or more years of cellaring. I still prefer the 2003, but administrator Frederic Engerer says this “is more Latour.” Anticipated maturity: 2020-2060.
Pairing: Aged Cheese, Game Animals, Grilled Red Meats, Legume, Roasts, Stews.
Located in the famous Medoc wine region, about 40 kilometers north-west of the city of Bordeaux, the vineyard of Château Latour belongs to the Pauillac appellation.The quality of its wine depends partly on the type of grape variety that is being used, but also on the exceptional... combination of natural elements (geography, geology and climate) that constitutes its 'Terroir'.
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