Tasting Notes
Vinous 93
The 1989 Latour has an archetypal nose for the estate with black fruit, gravel and graphite notes, touches of pencil box developing with aeration, determined to put distance between itself and the Mouton-Rothschild alongside. The palate is medium-bodied and cohesive with a gentle grip. It is smooth in texture and not a complex Latour, yet it exhibits satisfying depth and feels like it could improve with continued bottle age. That said, to repeat my assertion in my last note, this quality level would not be accepted under the current regime. Tasted at the 1989 Bordeaux dinner at 67 Pall Mall.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2045
Wine Advocate 93
Frederick Engerer remarked that the 1989 Latour was subject to some hydric stress caused by the high sun and temperature levels. The appearance is quite garnet colour with a tawny edge. The nose blossoms in the glass: spice and dark chocolate. Lacks some finesse and class. The palate is quite tannic, perhaps beginning to close up a little. Slightly bitter tannins but there is loads of complex savory fruit, leather and figs. A long sweet finish. Not quite as harmonious as the superior Mouton-Rothschild. Then in September 2004 at the Farr 89 vs. 90 tasting. As Latour goes I find this underwhelming and completely outclassed by the 1990. An open-knit, slightly stewed nose. Prune and raisin. Soft entry on the palate, the wine is not as structured as Lafite or Mouton. Sweet red fruits: this is just too open for me. Cranberry and dried blood on the finish. Very fruit-driven for Latour: this is too eager to please.
Anticipated maturity: 1998-2020
