Tasting Notes
Vinous 100
From the moment it is first opened the 1982 Chateau Latour is magical. Deep and still vibrant in color, but showing the translucence of age, the 1982 opens with intense, soaring aromatics that hint at what is to come. One taste is all it takes to confirm that the first impression is spot-on. This bottle, from an original wood case purchased on release, is a poignant reminder of how importance provenance is. The 1982 is simply stunning in its beauty. Vivid, multi-faceted and totally sensual, the Latour captures all the best qualities of this famous vintage. In 1982 yields were high, there was essentially none of the sorting that has become de rigueur, and cellar practices were far less ideal on paper than they are today. And yet, the 1982 is simply stunning. What else can I ask for in a wine? Absolutely nothing. Except for a hope to run into it again. Well-stored bottles will keep for another two decades, although my impression is that the 1982 is not going to improve much from here. Actually, it can t improve. This is as good as wine gets.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036
Robert Parker 100
1982 was a great vintagea relatively warm and prolific, producing wines of richness and depth. The 1982 Latour has a medium garnet-brick color and then pow!a it belts out powerful notes of star anise, dried roses, sandalwood and new leather with a core of kirsch, blackberry tart, dried mulberries and blackcurrant pastilles. Full-bodied, rich and spicy with bags of fruit and tons of savory fireworks, it finishes with epic persistence.
JancisRobinson.com 19.5
Magnum. What a treat to compare this with Lafite 1982. The Latour was stunning. Rich and dense and clearly with a glorious future. Gorgeous and with the same vitality as the Lafite 1982 in magnum but with much, much more potential. Wonderful with the main course at this Berry Bros dinner in aid of Room to Read. Long and glorious and it really opened out in the glass. A marvel.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050
