Château Latour 1er Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2005, 75cl

2005 was a very dry, warm and sunny vintage, causing vine stress in some areas of Bordeaux. Harvested from September 26 to October 6, the tannin/IPT levels were very high this year. The 2005 Latour is blended of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot. It is the biggest surprise of this tasting—until now, the wine was relatively closed and broody, but today the wine is just starting to reveal its personality—and what a stunner! Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with provocative floral scents of roses and violets over a core of fresh blackcurrants, chocolate-covered cherries and black raspberries with hints of fertile loam, unsmoked cigars and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, firm, grainy and packed with muscular fruit, it has an epically long, savory finish sparked by floral notes. 12,000 cases were made.- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

Very open and beautiful now with currants, light chocolate and spices. Incense as well. Full-bodied, tight and reserved with a fantastic center palate of fruit and firm tannins. Closed and hiding behind the structure and depth. Needs time to open still but already a joy to taste (drink!).

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections. Initially restrained on the nose, rich berryish confit, a touch of nougat, mandarins and orange peel, very complex. Already incredibly harmonious on the palate, wonderful cherry fruit, lively acidity, appears incredibly light-footed, fine Amarena cherries, mineral and long, an incredibly fascinating wine in which everything is in the right place.

A great wine, the summation of a great vintage in Bordeaux. The core of richness, the dense, bone-dry tannins, the black currants, red berries and black plum skins are the elements, but it's the way they have been integrated that makes this such an impressive wine. There is great elegance as well, a fabulous counterpoint to such power. Cellar for at least 15 years, but this will keep forever. Imported by Diageo Chateau & Estates and multiple U.S. importers.

Today owned by Artemis Domaines, back in 1855 Latour was in the hands of the de Beaumont family, descendants of the historic de Ségur family. It had also already become one of the first estates in Bordeaux to incorporate as a business, forming the Société Civile de Château Latour in 1842. It was undisputedly among the top wines of the region back then, and it continues to be now, proof of the magical combination and location, soils, investment and skill. This remains muscular, just starting to soften and open, slowing layers and waves of cocoa bean, blackberry, cassis, liquorice root, crayon, cigar box and truffle. 100% new oak for ageing.