Latour 1961

One of the 20th century's most profound wines. I can't say it is better than the 1982, it just has even more complexity, since it is 21 years older. But, wow, the youthfulness this wine holds onto with its incredible nose of crème de cassis, cedar wood, baking spices and a touch of lead pencil shavings, this full-bodied, opulent wine is magnificent.

The 1961 Latour poured at the vertical in Hong Kong is unquestionable one of the finest bottles that I have tasted. It has a breathtaking bouquet: fresh as morning dew and brilliantly delineated, intense black fruit whereby every atom is suffused with mineralité. It feels so youthful and vital. The nose is the apotheosis of Bordeaux being so aromatically regal and aristocratic. The palate is medium-bodied, with tannins sculpted by the finest chisel in the set: tightly wound black fruit, a perfect line of acidity and a breathtaking delineation, utterly harmonious and blessed with a persistent graphite-tinged finish that lasts over a minute. Majestic. Tasted at the Latour dinner in Hong Kong.

Deep at the centre with very little fade. A darker colour than the 1990! Intense, raisiny nose that is more reminiscent of the legendary Hermitage la Chapelle 1961 than it is of any other Bordeaux wine. The famously tiny yield has resulted in a wine of "vin de paille" like concentration. This has incredible depth and sheer power. Still stunningly sweet yet perfectly balanced. Quite simply perfect tonight (even better than a bottle tasted at the Chateau 18 months ago). An iron fist in a velvet glove. Just about ready to drink now!!

Port-like, with an unctuous texture, and a dark garnet color with considerable amber at the edge, the 1961 Latour possesses a viscosity and thickness. One of the three bottles served at the Chateau's tasting revealed a surprisingly aggressive, minty, herbaceous nose, but the other two bottles were liquid perfection, exhibiting fragrant, cedary, truffle, leather, mineral, and sweet, jammy aromatics, full-bodied, voluptuous textures, exquisite purity and concentration, and a layered, highly-nuanced finish that represents the essence of compellingly great wine. The 1961 has been fully mature for over 15 years, but it seems to get richer, holding onto its succulence and fat, and developing more aromatic nuances without losing any sweetness or concentration. An extraordinary wine, it is unquestionably one of the Bordeaux legends of the century!