Latour 2013

The 2013 Latour comes from an infamously growing season that saw 30% more rain than the 25-year average and outbreaks of botrytis from 20 September, just seven days prior to the picking that was completed on 11 October. Deep purple in color, initially it has a relatively light bouquet compared to other vintages, scents of blackberry, raspberry preserve and pencil shavings plus hints of gravel. There are certainly no vegetal or green aromas. It has commendable purity, though it does not possess the complexity of profundity of a bona fide great Latour. Monitoring over time, it coheres and gains delineation, peaking about two or three hours after opening, so do not be averse to a short decant. The palate is medium-bodied with graphite-tinged black fruit, just a touch of cracked black pepper and noticeable salinity on the finish. Whilst it does not have Latour’s signature backbone or gravitas, it is approachable, harmonious and winsome. Frankly, it’s about as good as the Left Bank gets in this vintage. Drink 2022-2032

Composed of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.4% Merlot and 0.4% Petit Verdot, the 2013 Latour offers an open-knit, fragrant nose of licorice, sandalwood, rose petals and cigar box over a core of Black Forest cake, stewed plums, mulberries and redcurrant jelly, plus a waft of cast-iron pan. The elegantly styled, medium-bodied palate (13% alcohol) fills the mouth with intense red and black berry preserves layers, framed by evolved, soft-textured tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and spicy. This vintage does not have the power and backbone of an outstanding vintage of Latour, but it is aging gracefully and, still possessing a lot of discernible fruit with plenty of tertiary pizazz, is absolutely delicious to drink right now. This sweet-spot stage is likely to continue for another 5-7 years, before the wine plateaus at a maturity peak and holds for a further 15+ years

A blend of 95.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4.7% Merlot, the 2013 Latour represents only 31.5% of the total crop. It is a surprisingly soft, charming, fruit-forward Latour with moderate concentration, a deep ruby/purple color, and no herbaceousness. Although not terribly deep or rich, it is an excellent effort that will not hit the market for another 5-7 years given their new policy of holding Chateau Latour until it is deemed ready for sale.

Aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and cedar yet bright and fragrant. Full body yet tight and polished. It starts off and then slowly grows on the palate with wonderful dimension of complexity and polished tannins. Better in 2022 but already so impressive.

Only mid blackish/greyish garnet. Nothing like the direct purity and energy on the nose of the Forts 2015, for instance. But everything on the palate is pretty impressive for a 2013. There is some dry tannin on the palate with some sweet fruit. A really good effort for a 2013 but it's pretty drying and stringy on the end and I'd like a bit more fruit on the mid palate. This vintage is a real challenge for a first growth. I'm sure their terroir delivered much better fruit than most properties but still, there is no getting away from the fact that this is not a stellar vintage. It lacks flesh and breadth and is just a bit mean overall.
The next day I tasted it and some of the holes had been filled in, suggesting that it may be worth decanting this wine a few hours before serving it. But it's still a bit stringy on the finish. Difficult to see value here.
13%
Drink 2021 – 2031