The 2005 Chateau Latour is a Bordeaux Blend from the Pauillac sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Chateau Latour, is known for its depth and complexity, making it a highly esteemed vintage among wine aficionados. With an alcohol content of 13.0% and sealed with a traditional cork, this wine is built for long-term aging.
The wine has received exceptional reviews across the board, with many reviewers highlighting its intricate structure and long aging potential. Vinous' Neal Martin described the 2005 Latour as "a huge wine predestined for long-term aging," noting its "showstopping bouquet" of black fruit, graphite, dried blood, and tobacco. He emphasized its "tangible sense of tension" and "immense" character, awarding it a score of 98.
Mike Supple of JJ Buckley, who scored the wine 97, praised its composition of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. He highlighted the wine's "inky red/purple" color and "cool minty dark chocolate" nose, describing it as "rich and full" with a "big tannic structure" and a "smoky long fruit finish."
Wine Spectator's James Suckling gave the wine an impressive 99, calling it "a Latour with fabulous tone and vigor." He noted the "brilliant, intense aromas of mineral, blackberry, and currant," and its "ultrafine tannins and a beautiful balance" that "lasts for minutes on the palate."
Wine & Spirits and Wine Enthusiast both gave the wine a perfect score of 100. Wine & Spirits described it as "a wine of inner strength and perfect form," highlighting its natural power and longevity. Wine Enthusiast called it "the summation of a great vintage in Bordeaux," emphasizing its "great elegance" and recommending cellaring it for at least 15 years.
Other notable reviews include a 98+ from Lisa Perrotti-Brown of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, who described it as a "stunner" with "provocative floral scents" and an "epically long, savory finish." Jeb Dunnuck, who scored it 99, remarked on its "dense, powerful, massively concentrated style," predicting it could age gracefully for up to a century.
In summary, the 2005 Chateau Latour is a powerhouse Bordeaux Blend with remarkable aging potential, praised for its complexity, structure, and depth by numerous esteemed reviewers. This wine is a testament to the excellence of the vintage and the skill of its producer.