1964 Château Latour

Magnum. Tasted blind alongside the chunkier La Mission Haut-Brion 1964. The most famous wine of the vintage. Dark, glistening crimson. Massive concentration with fully ripe, clean fruit that is rich, spicy and redolent of liquorice. Very rich and utterly classic claret. Bravo! (JR)

The 1964 Latour initially feels a little overawed by the openness and opulence of the 1962, a tad reserved and bashful on the nose, the palate missing the same depth and complexity. However, observing the wine over two hours, it simply blossoms in the glass, revealing beguiling autumn leaves, aniseed and cigar box scents on the exquisitely defined nose. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannin, cedar and graphite infusing the black fruit with a classic, regal finish that leaves me in awe. I mention in my previous tasting note that the 1964 can be startling. This is one of the finest examples that I have met. Just do not be afraid to give a 30 minute decant. (NM)

The 1964 Latour can be a spectacular wine, although over several bottles there seems to be more variation than other vintages. This example is slightly better than my last from 2016. It displays those traits of autumn leaves, sandalwood and roasted meat on the nose, cigar humidor aromas emerging with time in the glass. I personally prefer the joie-de-vivre of the 1962, although given that 1964 was not supposed to be a great Left Bank vintage, the Latour deserves respect. The palate is medium-bodied, with gently grippy tannin, notes of cedar and pine infusing the black fruit, not as detailed or precise as the 1961 or 1966, yet with impressive weight on the finish with Earl Grey lingering on the aftertaste. Very fine, though I still have not encountered the two or three startling bottles encountered ten years ago. Tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux.