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. Given its youthfulness (it is the least evolved wine of the vintage) it has the potential to last for another 20-30 years. Last tasted 12/96

Tasted from magnum. The best Pomerol in the tasting a distinctive and powerful wine that managed to still be smooth and elegant. It tastes like something rich beefy even chocolaty with integrated tannins and mature fruit flavors that fill the mouth and linger for minutes on the finish. Fabulous to drink now but should hold through at least 2005.--1961 Bordeaux horizontal.