Chateau Latour 2012

Chateau Latour is one of Bordeaux's most legendary First Growth estates, revered for its extraordinary concentration, structure, and unparalleled longevity. Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, graphite, cedar, cigar box, violet, and fine spice unfold into a powerful palate with refined tannins, remarkable depth, and an exceptionally persistent finish.

Food Pairing: Pair with beef Wellington, roast lamb, venison, duck breast, truffle dishes, or aged Comte for an unforgettable First Growth Bordeaux experience.

97 Points - Decanter

This was by far the biggest release since Château Latour adopted its new release system, as the 2012 had never previously been offered to the market. It's an ideal vintage to begin with, as the drinking window is just starting to come into view. The wine is all about pure licorice, graphite and profoundly dark fruit, with gourmet notes of brushed damson and crushed stone wrapped in a silky, appealingly open texture. The tannins are every bit as bracing as you would expect from Latour, giving nothing away, yet there is now space between them as the structure slowly begins to relax. Harvest took place from September 24 to October 16 under rainy conditions following a very hot summer and early September, which preserved the quality of the grapes while producing a style that is more approachable than initially expected.

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2012 Château Latour is a blend of 90.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.6% Merlot and 0.2% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet in color, it opens slowly with aromas of preserved Morello cherries, baked black currants and blackberry compote, followed by pencil shavings, unsmoked cigars, Chinese five-spice and sandalwood, with subtle hints of cardamom and eucalyptus. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and red fruit preserves framed by firm, grainy tannins and remarkable freshness, finishing with a spectacular display of lingering spice and mineral notes. This is a more restrained and relatively elegant expression of Latour that may not possess the "iron fist in a velvet glove" power of the estate's greatest vintages, but it nevertheless showcases its exceptional terroir and meticulous craftsmanship with impressive style. It is already drinking well with increasingly approachable tannins and the first signs of tertiary complexity, though another 5–10 years in bottle will reveal its full potential. It should continue to drink beautifully for the following 20–25 years or more.

95 Points - Wine Spectator

A beautifully defined graphite note runs from start to finish, allowing dark plum, black cherry and cassis fruit to unfold gracefully. Charcoal and iron nuances add depth to the finish. Slightly rigid in youth, with a pronounced graphite profile, this is more linear than expansive in style, but its persistence is remarkable. Best from 2018 through 2030.

94 Points - James Suckling

Very perfumed with hints of minerals, currants, wet earth and stone. Full-bodied, muscular and chewy, with polished tannins, bright acidity and a savory finish. Still very reserved and built for further aging. Better from 2019.