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 1979 Chateau Latour, a Bordeaux blend from the Pauillac region of France, is a wine of considerable intrigue and complexity. With its deep red color, it paints a portrait of tradition and sophistication, a characteristic that is most vivid in wines from the esteemed Bordeaux region.

The bouquet of this wine has been described as difficult to evaluate, with tasting notes varying greatly. However, the consensus emerges that it possesses a medium body and a reasonably good fruit profile. In some examples, the 1979 Chateau Latour has been reported to be quite rich with noticeable acidity, displaying the classic Latour mineral, walnut, and black fruit character. The wine's complexity and depth of flavor have led some to compare it to a light-bodied version of the outstanding 1971 Latour.

On the palate, this vintage is described as pretty and lively, medium-bodied, focused, and balanced. It presents spicy and woodsy accents to its black cherry flavors, giving it a unique taste profile that is both refreshing and intriguing.

As noted by the Wine Spectator, this wine is drinkable now through 2005, indicating that despite its age, it continues to be enjoyable and maintains its quality. The 1979 Chateau Latour is a testament to the fine art of winemaking at Chateau Latour, showcasing the elegance and finesse that this esteemed producer is known for.

In conclusion, the 1979 Chateau Latour, a Bordeaux blend from France, is a wine of exquisite complexity and a timeless expression of the Pauillac terroir. It is a testament to the winemaking prowess of Chateau Latour and a vibrant representation of its vintage.