Lots of mineral, crushed stone, iodine and graphite with blackcurrants and blackberries that follow through to a medium body with ultra fine tannins that are ever so polished and give length and energy to the wine. Drinkable now, but even better in 2023.

With a vintage as widely successful as 2016 in this part of the world, it is no surprise that this is a delicious Pauillac de Latour that is easy to recommend. Clear notes of blackberry bud and liquorice root - both flavours given a qualifier to show not only spice and concentration but also good levels of acidity, freshness and sinew. The tannins were so prevalent during en primeur and in-bottle tastings that it was easy to miss how generous the fruit is underneath. A lovely moment to begin drinking. (Drink between 2021-2032)

Starting with the 2016 Le Pauillac De Chateau Latour, which can be thought of as the entry level wine from this great estate, it checks in as a blend of 54.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.9% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. Showing similar to the last showing, it has a gorgeous Pauillac nose of blackcurrants, lead pencil shavings, graphite, tobacco, and damp earth. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully textured, it shows the quality of this great vintage as well as plenty of classic Latour character, allbeit, in a much more upfront, charming style. It's drinking beautifully today yet my money is on it evolving for another two decades.

The 2016 Pauillac de Château Latour is a compelling, sumptuous wine that shows just how magnificent the year is. How can this be a third wine? Dark and ample in the glass, Latour's Pauillac possesses tremendous breed right out of the gate. Black cherry, graphite, licorice, spice and leather all meld together in the glass. Floral overtones develop nicely with time. Only the (relatively) lighter structure suggests the Pauillac's place in the château's hierarchy. Everything else is first class all the way. The Pauillac is a blend taken from parcels outside the core holdings in the famed enclos, plus younger vines in the enclos. (AG)

Fresh and juicy, with flavors of red and black currant preserves streaming through, lined with light graphite and iron notes. The nicely focused finish has mouthwatering bay leaf accents and savory hints as the fruit plays out. Best from 2022 through 2032. — JM

I bought a few cases of the 2016 Le Pauillac de Château Latour on release, and the first bottle was showing well, offering up attractive aromas of cassis, cherries, pencil shavings and subtle hints of classy new oak. Medium-bodied, lively and succulent, its powdery tannins are mostly concealed by a demonstrative core of fruit. Made in a juicer, lighter-bodied style than Les Forts and the grand vin itself, this offers considerable pleasure out of the gates. - William Kelley