1990 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) WS100/DR99/AG98
2015 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) AG98+/LP98
2000 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) JS100/AG99
2001 Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml)
2012 Chateau Latour, Pauillac [Late Release], Case of 6 btls VM97/RP96+
2012 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) VM97/RP96+
2004 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) RP95/WS95
2010 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Case of 6 btls, [Ex-Chateau 2022] RP100/AG100
2005 Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac, Magnum (1.5L) AG94/JS94
2011 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Case of 6 btls
2011 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml)
2003 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) RP100/LP100/JS100
2010 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml), (Ex-Chateau 2022] RP100/AG100
1994 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) RP94
2003 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Case of 3 D/Magnum RP100/LP100/JS100
2008 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) VM96/JD96
1988 Chateau Latour, Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac WS96
2002 Chateau Latour, Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac RP96
2004 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Case of 12 btls RP95
2002 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) RP96
1988 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) WS96
1994 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Case of 12 btls RP94

Chateau Latour: A Time-Honored Legacy

“Ask just about anybody which first-growth is pushing quality to the highest level, and the majority will claim it is Latour.”
~Robert M. Parker Jr.

First Growth Château Latour, a legendary estate in Pauillac, has long stood as a beacon of viticultural brilliance in the Left Bank's Médoc region. The estate's rich history is deeply intertwined with the local heritage, which is elegantly symbolized on the château's label featuring a solitary edifice. The iconic dovecote tower depicted on the label was erected on the property in the 1620s, paying homage to the 14th-century defensive tower, La Tour de Saint-Lambert, which once stood guard over the Gironde Estuary during the tumultuous Hundred Years’ War. 


The estate's lineage of success is nearly as old as its iconic tower, dating back to the 17th century under the ownership of the esteemed Ségur family. The Ségurs eventually came to possess three of Bordeaux's five First Growths, including Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Mouton-Rothschild. However, even before the 1855 Classification formally recognized these titles, Château Latour had already solidified its position among the region's elite, thanks to its powerful and distinctive wine style.

Chateau Latour Style: The Celebrated, Long-Lived Style of Latour

This signature style is deeply rooted in the estate's exceptional terroir, particularly the 47-hectare L'Enclos vineyard, which has remained largely unchanged since 1794. Sitting on the gravel croupes that surround the famed tower and château, this prized land is the primary source of grapes for the Grand Vin. The cuvée, consisting of over 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, ensures a wine of immense structure and refinement, a profile that distinguishes Château Latour as one of the longest-lived and most celebrated styles on the Left Bank.

The Outstanding 1990s Vintages: 1990 Chateau Latour & 1995 Chateau Latour

The 1990s marked a golden era for Bordeaux, and the exceptional 1990 and 1995 vintages in particular showcased Château Latour's signature balance between finesse and power. The 1990 Latour, a perfect embodiment of grace and strength, earned a coveted 100-point score from James Suckling, who proclaimed it "one of my favorite wines ever" with its "perfect structure, perfect strength." The 1995 vintage, while showcasing more tannin and power in its youth, has begun to show in its evolution a "supple but dense texture," as described by Decanter.

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Château Latour: The Bigger Picture

Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux, Chateau Latour isn't merely a prestigious First Growth Bordeaux; it stands as one of the world's most iconic estates. With a history dating back nearly seven centuries, it was one of Bordeaux's original four First Growths in Bordeaux's 1855 Classification. Under the stewardship of Francois Pinault and his dedicated team, Chateau Latour has continually redefined quality standards. Their stringent grape selection process has propelled the estate's wines to unprecedented heights, earning acclaim from critics like Robert Parker, who says, “Ask just about anybody which first-growth is pushing quality to the highest level, and the majority will claim it is Latour.”

A Rich History

Chateau Latour's history unfolds against the backdrop of the 14th century. During the Hundred Years War, the defensive tower, Tor à Saint-Lambert, was erected to safeguard the Gironde Estuary. Though the tower met destruction by the war's end, it was resurrected in the 1600s, lending its name to Chateau Latour.

In the 18th century, Marquis Nicolas-Alexandre de Segur acquired the estate, marking the beginning of a 300-year dynasty. The Segur family became synonymous with greatness in the region and eventually owned three of the five First Growths, including Chateau Latour, Chateau Lafite, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Chateau Latour's reputation for supreme quality spread worldwide, commanding a price twenty times that of an average Bordeaux wine. Even aristocrats like Thomas Jefferson developed a fondness for its wines.

A Transformational Era

In 1963, the Segur family sold 75% of their shares to the London-based Pearson group, marking the beginning of a transformational era. The Chateau underwent extensive renovations, becoming one of the first in the region to adopt modern stainless steel vats, replacing old oak vats. Thirty additional acres were planted outside the famous "Enclos" vineyard, accompanied by drainage system improvements.

In 1989, Allied Lyons acquired shares from the Pearson group, taking majority control of the estate. Four years later, the legendary estate passed into the hands of Francois Pinault which set the stage for another phase of renovation. The vat room and cellar received an upgrade, boasting new stainless steel tanks of varying sizes, allowing for precise parcel-by-parcel vinification. Astonishingly, under the vigilant eye of Pinault and Technical Director Frederic Engerer, the wine quality at Latour continued to soar.

The Heart of Latour

At the heart of Chateau Latour lies in the Enclos vineyard, arguably Bordeaux's most prestigious site. Spanning 116 acres, this vineyard, planted in 1794, has remained largely unaltered. Situated close to the Gironde River, it boasts diverse soils, including marl, clay, gravel, and limestone. In total, Latour maintains 193 acres of vineyards, with vines averaging 40 years in age are planted to 74.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.8 Merlot, 1.8% Cabernet Franc and .02% Petit Verdot.

Commitment to Sustainability

Since 2008, Chateau Latour has embarked on a journey toward sustainable farming, introducing horses to reduce soil compaction and implementing organic and biodynamic methods. By 2015, the Enclos vineyard achieved a 100% organic farming certification, a milestone extended to all of Chateau Latour's vineyards in 2019.

The Art of Winemaking

Chateau Latour produces two additional wines including a second wine known as Les Forts de Latour and a third called Le Pauillac de Chateau Latour. Les Forts de Latour originates from younger Enclos vines and its surrounding vineyards, while Le Pauillac de Chateau Latour utilizes fruit omitted from Les Forts de Latour. Fruit from the prestigious Enclos parcel contributes exclusively to the grand vin.

The meticulous winemaking process at Chateau Latour underpins its consistent quality improvement. Technical Director Frederic Engerer, in charge since 1995, has instituted a rigorous selection process, ensuring only the finest fruit from the best site is used. Grapes are vinified with precision, accounting for variety, parcel, and vine age. The grand vin matures in 100% new oak, while Les Forts de Latour ages in 50% new oak.

A Bold Decision and a Bright Future

In 2012, Chateau Latour made a bold decision to exit the futures market, choosing to release wines when they are at their peak readiness for consumption. Although met with controversy from Bordeaux's negoicants, this decision underscores Latour's unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines. The 2012 vintage, for instance, was finally released in 2020.

Chateau Latour's ascent is a testament to its enduring legacy and relentless pursuit of excellence. While it has remained one of the world's most celebrated estates for centuries, it continues to climb higher, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in Bordeaux's vineyards and beyond. Francois Pinault and his team are dedicated to crafting one of the world's greatest wines, setting the standard for uncompromising quality. For collectors and connoisseurs, owning a bottle of Chateau Latour is not just a choice; it’s imperative, and there has never been a better time to acquire one of the world's finest wines.

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