Latour à Pomerol 2012

A very strong effort from this estate in the Jean-Pierre Moueix stable, this 2012 (14.5% natural alcohol) has a dense ruby/purple color, a big, sweet kiss of mocha, blackcurrants, and black cherries, and notes of truffle and earth. Full-bodied, ripe and one of the great successes from this estate over recent decades, the 2012 is a must-purchase for Pomerol enthusiasts. Silky tannins, superb concentration and a long, long finish suggest a good 20+ years of evolution at minimum. Bravo! Drink: 2015 - 2035

The Latour-à-Pomerol represents a significant level up from the La Grave-a-Pomerol on the nose, displays more delineation and complexity. There are subtle black fruits, wild hedgerow and hawthorn: broody and introverted at the moment but sure to unfold after bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry. The fruit is tightly wound with dark chocolate tinged blackberry and boysenberry fruit. There is a little oak to be absorbed on the finish and there is a fine saline aftertaste. It does not quite possess the raw materials that engender a top flight Latour-a-Pomerol, nonetheless it will need several years in bottle and may surprise a few people - including myself. Tasted April 2013.

A dense and layered red with dried strawberries, cocoa powder, chocolate and shelled walnuts. Full body, round and chewy tannins. Dense and deep. Needs three or four years to soften and come together. Excellent texture. Better after 2018.

Deep bright cherry red. Slightly medicinal cherry aroma, a little bit stalky but scented too. Relatively slight overall but elegant and fresh, with fine, lightish tannins. Sustained finish with the herbaceousness bringing freshness. Scores on elegance rather than power. Juicy aftertaste. (JH)