Pauillac de Château Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France 2017

Le Pauillac de Chateau Latour has been produced every year since 1989, primarily for the restaurant market. It is made from younger vines and provides an approachable introduction to Chateau Latour's prestigious offerings.

• Winemaker: Hélène Génin
  
• Farming: Sustainable viticulture practices.
• Variety: Approximately 45% Merlot, with the remainder being Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.
• Terroir: Young vines from less prestigious vineyard areas and wines not meeting the selection criteria for Forts de Latour.
• Vinification: Utilizes about 20% new barrels, with the proportion varying depending on the vintage characteristics.
• Aging: Can be enjoyed after 4-5 years of aging and continues to improve for several more years.
• Tasting Note: Generous and fruity, this wine offers an excellent introduction to the family of wines produced by Chateau Latour. It embodies the typical characteristics of the Pauillac region with rich, ripe fruit flavors.
• Pairings: Ideal with roasted meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.
• Service Temperature: Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F).
• Background: Le Pauillac de Chateau Latour has been produced every year since 1989, primarily for the restaurant market. It is made from younger vines and wines that do not meet the selection criteria for Forts de Latour. This wine provides an approachable introduction to Chateau Latour's prestigious offerings.
• Vintage Information: The 2021 vintage began with a cold, dry winter, leading to a significant water deficit. Bud break occurred near the normal time, but two nights of spring frost affected some plots used for Pauillac. May saw concentrated rainfall over nine days, encouraging vegetative growth and early flowering. June was dry until late rainfall rejuvenated the younger vines. The dry, moderately hot summer with cool mornings allowed even ripening, but September rain slightly overshadowed the harvest, which ran from September 11th to October 19th.

From our July 2024 Serious Inquiries Only Bottle Cult Notes:

Pauillac de Château Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France 2017
    Château Latour, one of the most prestigious and historic wine estates in Bordeaux, is renowned for its exceptional wines and storied legacy. Situated in the Pauillac appellation of the Médoc region, Château Latour’s history dates back to the 14th century, although it truly began to gain prominence in the 17th century under the ownership of the Ségur family. In the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, Château Latour was designated as a First Growth (Premier Cru) estate. This classification was established by order of Emperor Napoleon III for the Exposition Universelle de Paris and aimed to showcase the best wines of Bordeaux. Being classified as a First Growth means that Château Latour is recognized as not only one of the elite estates in the Médoc region, but one that has historical significance within the history of France, and superior terroir that has produced wines of exceptional quality, consistency, and reputation throughout the centuries.
    The terroir of Château Latour is one of the estate’s most significant assets. The vineyard spans approximately 78 hectares, with 47 hectares dedicated to the Grand Vin de Château Latour. The vineyards are planted on deep gravel soils, providing excellent drainage and allowing the vine roots to delve deep into the subsoil. This terroir, combined with the estate’s proximity to the Gironde estuary, creates a unique microclimate that is particularly favorable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, which dominates the vineyard plantings. The deep gravel not only aids drainage but also retains heat, helping to ripen the grapes evenly.
    In addition to its famed Grand Vin, Château Latour produces a second wine, Les Forts de Latour, and a third wine, Pauillac de Château Latour, which is included in your club. The Pauillac de Château Latour is crafted from the younger vines of the estate, typically less than ten years old. First introduced in 1989, this wine allows Latour lovers to enjoy an approachable wine that can be savored without long cellaring, while still embodying the elegance and complexity characteristic of Château Latour.
    The 2017 vintage is a blend primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 40% Merlot and a small percentage of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine is aged in 20% new French oak barrels for about 12 months, a shorter period compared to the Grand Vin, ensuring that the juicy, enticing fruit remains at the forefront. When you open this wine, you’ll first encounter an aromatic bouquet of blackcurrants, plums, and subtle hints of tobacco, all classic markers of the best Bordeaux wines. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity that lifts the dark berries and cedar spice, leading to a long, smooth finish. It is so classic, yet so unbelievably drinkable. I believe this is the Bordeaux that will make me start drinking Bordeaux again, and that’s a great thing! 
    As for pairing, consider slow-cooked duck leg confit, Entrecôte à la Bordelaise (grilled ribeye steak served with a rich sauce made from red wine, bone marrow, shallots, and butter), or a hearty winter stew. These dishes complement the wine's robust structure and complex flavors, making it an ideal choice for your holiday table this upcoming winter. — Cara Patricia, July 2024