Latour 1999

Readers looking for a modern day version of Latour's magnificent 1962 or 1971 should check out the sensational 1999 Latour. It is a big, concentrated offering, exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, and a classic nose of minerals, black currants, leather, and vanilla. The wine is long, ripe, and medium-bodied, with high levels of sweet tannin. This surprisingly full, concentrated 1999 should be drinkable in 5-6 years; it will last for three decades.

The 1999 Latour doesn't quite dominate the competition the way the 1994 does, but it, too, is a lovely wine, exhibiting notes of blackcurrants, cigar wrapper, rich soil tones and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, with velvety tannins, ripe acids and a long, expansive finish, it is showing beautifully today. 2015 - 2039

Superb breeding on the nose, pure blackberry, cedar, tobacco and a touch of hot gravel. The palate is full-bodied with very fine but assertive tannins, very good depth (similar to Mouton) but with the finesse of Lafite. There is a vibrant sense of mineralite here, a sense of transparency, relatively high-toned and showy (like the 2004 tasted just days before) that lends it more approachability. Very impressive persistency on the finish. Excellent. Drink 2012-2030.

big yet racy 99. Shows blackberry aromas, with a hint of spice, and is full bodied, with a solid core of fruit, firm tannins and a dark chocolate and coffee aftertaste. Wonderful texture. Goes on and on. Best after 2006.