2001 Château Latour Grand Vin

Community Tasting Note

MC2 Wines wrote:

Wednesday, September 7, 2022 - Acker Pre-Auction September 2022 (Redbury Lounge): I’ve yet to have my ‘moment’ with Latour and this was no different although to be fair people who are strong fans were also not really convinced. I’ve heard it said the ‘01 vintage was overshadowed by ‘00 but much better than it gets credit for and while I am a big fan in the Rhone haven’t had much in Bordeaux that makes me give credit to that theory. This was decent Bordeaux but given it’s price point it really should be excellent.

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6 comments have been posted

Comment posted by mathwonk:

11/23/2022 3:24:00 PM - I agree completely, although I enjoyed it. Unfortunately today I believe Latour is not priced comparably to quality, but to demand. This phenomenon, of "trophy wines" marketing to the wealthy rather than to the connoisseur, has changed the wine landscape perhaps forever. I also have not had a "moment" with Latour since my original one with the 1970. I am tempted to try the 2005, but at $1250-$1500, it would be a costly experiment, not guaranteed to succeed. Perhaps climate change has actually meant there will never again be Latours of the quality of those from 40-60 years ago, but this is my (old man's) opinion, and consumers' tastes also change. cheers.
Comment posted by MC2 Wines:

11/23/2022 3:47:00 PM - Fair enough. I prefer other first growths which are more reasonably priced. I also agree price of wine has gotten a lot crazier so the QPR is a tougher sell across the board
Comment posted by mathwonk:

11/23/2022 6:57:00 PM - would you mind naming some of your preferred wines? I have enjoyed Chateau Talbot 2015 tonight, although not 1st growth, and not preferable to Latour, but 1/10 the price.
Comment posted by MC2 Wines:

11/24/2022 1:20:00 AM - My favorites are mostly right bank - Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Pavie, Figeac, Conseillante…. Belair Monange is a great buy and I suspect will be very good moving forward. On left bank like HB and Margaux in the firsts and then Montrose, Palmer, Calon Segur, Gruard Larose…. I’m sure there’s more…. We drink a decent amount of Bordeaux
Comment posted by mathwonk:

11/24/2022 4:13:00 PM - Thank you very much for this list; I will be on the lookout for Belair Monange in particular. Your experience of Bordeaux seems well beyond mine, but based on what I have had and what you mention, I suspect the flavor of Latour is just not your favorite, and I do not recommend your buying it at current prices. For me, by contrast, few wines from Margaux are pleasing, including the only Chateau Margaux I have tried. I liked one of the two Haut Brion I tried but not the other, so I avoid it now as well (perhaps foolishly). But I have liked every Latour I have had, to a greater or lesser degree, as well as most examples of Leoville las cases and Chateau Lagrange. I also try to avoid alcohol levels above 14%, which seems now to omit Pavie, sadly. Maybe I should venture out again on that front. thank you!
Comment posted by MC2 Wines:

11/24/2022 4:20:00 PM - For sure with Latour it is a style thing. Very well made wine. Tend to skew more classic, maybe what was called ‘feminine’ before. Pichon Comtesse (formerly marketed as Lalande) is also a favorite.