Latour 2001 (750ML)

97+ VM / 97 DE / 96 JD / 96 WI / 95 WA / 95 WS / 19 JR

The 2001 Latour is magnificent. A huge, structured wine, the 2001 Latour boasts notable depth to match its vertical, towering structure and pure power. At nearly fifteen years of age, the 2001 remains deep, virile and imposing. With air, the 2001 is a approachable now, but ideally it needs at least a few more years in bottle. This is a superb showing by any measure. Fr'd'ric Engerer adds that 2001 was the last vintage that was lightly filtered prior to bottling. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Classic Latour, with a savoury, meaty note to the ripe plummy fruit and a hint of leather at the end. Although August was hot, there was rain at harvest and the team didn't begin to pick until October in an effort to wait it out. The final blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The grand vin is made with just over half of the grapes from the estate. The result has bright, fresh fruit, lots of tannin and impressive reserves of extract. Surprisingly long.-Charles Curtis MW, Decanter

A wine that’s firing on all cylinders is the 2001 Latour and this beauty over-delivers in the vintage! Based on 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it offers incredible aromatics of crème de cassis, exotic spices, lead pencil shavings, forest floor and truffles. Deep, medium to full-bodied, and incredibly elegant, with polished tannin, it’s utterly irresistible today, yet given its balance and length, I suspect it has another 15-20 years of prime drinking.-Jeb Dunnuck

Made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-brick colored 2001 Latour rolls out of the glass with ready-to-go scents of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest, fragrant soil, and iron ore, giving way to a core of prunes and red currant jelly, plus a touch of potpourri. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully racy and energetic with lightly chewy tannins and a minerally finish.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

A brilliant offering, which should be drinkable much earlier than the blockbuster 2000, the 2001 Latour boasts an inky/ruby/purple color to the rim as well as a glorious bouquet of black currants, crushed stones, vanilla, and hints of truffles and oak. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance primarily Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it reveals a sweetness on the palate that is atypical for such a young Latour. The beautiful integration of tannin, acidity, and wood is stunning. The wine flows across the palate with fabulous texture, purity, and presence. This luscious, full-bodied Latour was surprisingly open-knit on the three occasions I tasted it from bottle. However, do not mistake its aging ability as this 2001, despite its precociousness, will last 20-25 years. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Extremely attractive aromas of blackberries and currants with just a hint of mineral and oak. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. As it was from barrel; powerful and fast. Serious stuff.-Wine Spectator

Dark crimson. Oyster shells and scent. Sleek and polished. Bit of a lounge lizard but one that is convincing. Fresh and scented – a bit like a spring washing line – with a great positive finish. Very accomplished wine. Can the 2000 really trump this?-Jancis Robinson