Chateau Latour, one of Bordeaux’s oldest and most famous wine producers, is a First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. It’s located in Pauillac near the border with Saint-Julien.

Vines have existed on the property since the 14th century, but Chateau Latour first began producing wines of great quality in the early eighteenth century. The estate gradually came to specialize in wine production, with 38 hectares of vines in 1759 and 47 hectares in 1794.

The vineyard currently has 78 hectares in production. The grapes from the 47 hectares surrounding the chateau, known as “L’Enclos”, are used in the production of the Grand Vin. The 30 hectares outside of the Enclos are used for the Forts de Latour and the Pauillac wines. The estate is planted with about 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot on gravelly hilltops and clay subsoil.

The wines of Chateau Latour need time to mature, generally at least ten or fifteen years, before they can be drunk. It is only then that the full complexity of the bouquet is expressed and the palate becomes sufficiently well integrated to be enjoyable and harmonious.

The 1990 Chateau Latour, a Bordeaux blend from the prestigious Pauillac region of France, is an enchanting symphony of flavors that has captivated wine connoisseurs the world over. This red wine, crafted by the esteemed Chateau Latour, possesses a remarkable color that hints at the richness it contains. The wine is secured with a cork closure and carries an alcohol percentage of 13.5, embodying a perfect balance between potency and subtlety.

This vintage has received a chorus of acclaim from renowned wine critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, in a 2009 review, praised its gorgeous rich fruitiness and abundant glycerin while noting its perplexing character. In contrast, the Wine Spectator's review, dated 2005, declared it one of the reviewer's favorite wines ever, highlighting its full-bodied nature with layers of silky fruit and masses of currant, mineral, and berry character.

Jancis Robinson, in 2012, described it as very dense, very classic, and very youthful, impressed by its blend of Latour minerality and 1990 ripeness. Likewise, Neal Martin's Wine Journal, also in 2012, hailed it as a tour de force, exhibiting immense purity and precision with a hint of dried rose petal and mahogany bureau.

The wine continued to impress in 2024 when Vinous described it as a magnificent wine with a showstopping bouquet, and Jeb Dunnuck, in 2022, lauded it as a classic, powerful, regal Latour. Decanter and Jeff Leve’s reviews also echo these sentiments, praising its youthful firmness, muscular presence, and balance of elegance, vibrance, power, and length.

In conclusion, the 1990 Chateau Latour is an exemplary Bordeaux blend that promises not only a delightful tasting experience but an exploration into the depth and complexity that fine French wines are renowned for.