Latour's investment structure is unusual even among the First Growths because the château withdrew from conventional en-primeur releases and now brings wines to market only when it considers them ready. The oldest surviving document referring to Latour dates from 1331, and the estate's serious wine history accelerated under the Ségur family before it was classified First Growth in 1855. That controlled release policy places exceptional weight on ex-château provenance.
Latour's vineyard is dominated by the Enclos, the historic gravel terrace close to the Gironde estuary that forms the core of the Grand Vin. The estate's deep gravel, clay and subsoil drainage favour Cabernet Sauvignon, while its proximity to the estuary helps moderate extremes of temperature and contributes to remarkable consistency.
Established :
1331
First vintage :
1863
The oldest surviving document referring to Latour dates from 1331, when permission was granted to build a fortified tower near the Gironde. The estate's serious wine history accelerated under the Ségur family in the early eighteenth century, when Latour became one of the Médoc's most valuable vineyards.
Latour was classified First Growth in 1855. After periods of French and British corporate ownership in the twentieth century, François Pinault acquired the estate in 1993. The château later left the en-primeur system after the 2011 vintage, creating the distinctive release model it follows today.
Our Wines
Les Forts is one of Bordeaux's most serious second wines, drawing on dedicated parcels as...
Latour is a benchmark First Growth with an exceptional reputation for longevity. Its later-release strategy...
PRODUCER PROFILE
Country
France
Region
Bordeaux
Sub-region
Pauillac
Ready When You Are
Find out what's currently available, which vintages are worth considering, and get guidance on whether it fits your wider fine wine portfolio.
