Wines Pauillac Château Latour - 1996

Château Latour 1996 is an exceptional red wine from the renowned Pauillac appellation in the Médoc, Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this grand vin exemplifies the estate’s legendary structure and longevity. The 1996 vintage is celebrated for its balance and power, with the cool, dry autumn of that year enabling the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness. The wine underwent classic Bordeaux vinification: meticulous hand harvesting, fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, and then lengthy ageing in new French oak barriques, bringing subtle layers of spice and toast to complement its dense fruit.

The Pauillac appellation, nestled on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, is world-famous for its gravelly soils, which provide excellent drainage and reflect sunlight to the vines, encouraging even ripening. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with the estuary moderating temperatures and reducing frost risk, ensuring consistency across vintages. The Médoc has a storied past, with châteaux like Latour dominating Bordeaux’s history and earning their place in the 1855 classification. Pauillac’s wines are often described as the epitome of Bordeaux, marrying power, elegance, and age-worthiness.

This mature Pauillac calls for equally refined food pairings. Classic French dishes, such as roast rack of lamb with rosemary, beef Wellington, or duck breast with a red wine reduction, will harmonise beautifully with Latour’s structure and complexity. For a Bordeaux-inspired touch, try entrecôte à la Bordelaise or aged Comté cheese, both of which accentuate the wine’s savoury secondary notes and velvety tannins.

As the 1996 Château Latour has spent decades maturing, it is best decanted carefully to separate it from any sediment and allow its bouquet to blossom fully. Serve at 17–18°C to highlight its aromatic subtleties and refined tannins. Allowing the wine some time in the glass will further reveal its intricate layers of dark fruit, cedar, graphite, and earthy undertones, offering an unforgettable tasting experience.