Review: Pauillac de Latour 2019

Pauillac de Latour 2019 represents an impressive entry point into the prestigious Château Latour portfolio. As the third wine of this legendary Bordeaux First Growth estate, it offers a glimpse into the house style while remaining more approachable both in youth and price than its illustrious siblings.

The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux was characterized by a warm, dry summer followed by ideal harvest conditions, and this wine clearly benefits from these circumstances. In the glass, it presents a deep ruby-purple core with slight garnet reflections at the rim.

The nose opens with classic Pauillac character - blackcurrant and cassis dominate, supported by graphite, cedar, and subtle hints of violet and tobacco leaf. With aeration, additional notes of crushed black cherries and a touch of warm spice emerge.

On the palate, the wine shows remarkable balance for its youth. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers concentrated dark fruit flavors framed by fine-grained tannins that provide structure without overwhelming. The hallmark Latour precision is evident in its focus and linearity, though in a more accessible form than the Grand Vin. Secondary notes of forest floor, cigar box, and a touch of espresso add complexity to the fruit-forward profile.

The finish is persistent and elegant, with the fruit gradually giving way to mineral undertones and a subtle saline quality characteristic of the estate's terroir. While obviously enjoyable now with decanting, this wine has the substance and structure to develop beautifully over the next 10-15 years.

For those seeking an authentic taste of Château Latour without the considerable investment required for the Grand Vin or Les Forts de Latour, the Pauillac de Latour 2019 provides tremendous value and a true expression of this historic estate's signature style.