Latour A Pomerol Mise Lafitte 1961 S&D #45 (750ML)

100 RP / 98 VM

1961 750ML LATOUR A POMEROL MISE LAFITTE #45 BAD CORK/LOW FILL

Sold As Is: No Returns, All Sales Final

Although the 1947 Cheval Blanc is widely considered to be the "wine of the century" among collectors, the 1961 Latour a Pomerol also merits a share of the title. Giving points to a wine such as this makes one think of Shakespeare's reflection that "comparisons are odious." To put it mildly, this wine is "off the charts." If I had only one Bordeaux to drink, the 1961 Latour a Pomerol would have to be at the top of my list. Given its phenomenal richness and amazing precision and balance, it can bring tears to one's eyes. Still a saturated dark purple color with no signs of amber, orange, or rust, the nose offers extraordinarily rich, intense aromas of jammy plums, black currants, licorice, and truffles. Port-like, with remarkable viscosity and thickness, as well as a finish that lasts for more than a minute, this wine is in a class by itself. Even greater than the 1961 Petrus and 1961 Latour (two perfect wines), it is phenomenal. - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

The 1961 Latour à Pomerol is one of the most feted, elusive and sadly faked bottles of Bordeaux in the 20th century. The provenance of this is as good as you will find anywhere. It had been purchased by legendary English wine writer Edmund Penning-Rowsell, whose collection was auctioned to the generous host who poured it at the table. Essentially, it had spent its entire life in two exemplary cellars. In some ways, it is an outrageous decadent Pomerol whose modern-day equivalent might well be the 1982 Le Pin. Like the one previous bottle I encountered, it boasts an intense cassis, violet and glycerol bouquet that is turned up to "11" yet manages to retain wonderful delineation. The palate is likewise opulent and ravishing, pure and vivacious. There is breathtaking symmetry and wondrous delineation, though I could understand why someone might regard it as a bit ostentatious and lacking a little refinement. I just adore its disregard for convention and its determination to give untrammeled pleasure. Tasted at the Pomerol 1961 dinner in Hong Kong. June 2024 -- Neal Martin, Vinous Media