Latour 1978 (1.5L)

94 RP / 92 WS / 90 VM / 18.5 JR

One of the great wines of the vintage, the 1978 Latour has reached full maturity. While it does not possess the extraordinary concentration of the massive 1970, or the power of the 1975, the 1978 offers a stunningly fragrant nose of roasted herbs, sweet, jammy black fruits, nuts, and minerals. There is almost an iron taste, as if it were a vitamin supplement. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with fat, rich, concentrated flavors of black fruits, earth, and smoke. Although it has been delicious for some time, this wine reveals no signs of weakening. - Robert Parker

A sleek and racy wine.Ruby-amber color. Aromas of cedar, cigar box,tobacco, mint and mushrooms, with hints of redfruits, follow though to a medium body with finetannins and a long, silky finish. Excellent now,but a little more bottle age would only improve it. - Wine Spectator

The 1978 Latour, served from ex-château double magnums, is a wine that I have encountered several times over the years. Of course, provenance plays its part, likewise the large format, yet I remain unconvinced that this is a top-flight Latour. At least the bouquet is fresh with cedar and pencil lead aromas, commendably detailed considering the era in which it was born. The palate is fully mature, with firm, almost obdurate tannin. The 1978 cries out “old school Pauillac,” with a touch of brine emerging towards the finish that has a distinct rustic edge. It tries to impress more than confer enjoyment upon the drinker.  Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner in Bordeaux. July 2018-- Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Mid blackish ruby with a broad pale rim. Serious stuff on the nose! Wonderfully complex with mineral layers and some dried herbs. Still very vigorous. Beautiful balance and intensity. Tasted after two younger top Margauxs, this really shows the staying power of Pauillac in general and Latour in particular. Lightly gritty (I think I got the dregs) and very definitely dry. Still a little, but not excessive, tannin on the end. Long and sore throat-soothing. - Jancis Robinson