Wines Pauillac Château Latour - 1999

Château Latour 1999 is an exceptional red wine hailing from one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated appellations, Pauillac. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, and touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this vintage epitomises Latour's rigorous selection and precise winemaking. 1999 was a complex year: a humid spring, followed by a temperate summer, resulted in wines of notable elegance over raw power. After hand-harvesting, fermentation is carried out in stainless steel, with a long maceration to extract depth and structure. The resulting wine is matured in new oak barrels, lending subtle spice and a frame for graceful ageing. Now, after more than two decades in the cellar, the 1999 is a wine of remarkable balance, offering harmonious interplay between fruit, earthy undertones, and polished tannins.

Pauillac stands at the heart of the Médoc on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, renowned for its gravelly soils that provide exceptional drainage and force the vines to root deep for nutrients. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates both extreme cold and heat, fostering a microclimate ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon's slow, steady ripening. The region’s history is steeped in prestige, with Pauillac châteaux at the very pinnacle of Bordeaux’s classification since the 1855 Imperial decree. Château Latour, in particular, has built an unrivalled reputation for producing wines of power, longevity, and finesse.

Such a distinguished wine warrants thoughtful pairings. Its refined tannic backbone and earthy complexity would splendidly complement a roast rack of lamb, perhaps with rosemary and garlic, evoking classic Bordelaise fare. Slow-cooked beef, such as daube de boeuf, or mature hard cheeses like Comté or aged cheddar, also make for superb partners.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve Château Latour 1999 at 16-18°C. Given its age, it benefits from gentle decanting—around 1-2 hours before service—to allow its bouquet to unfold and to separate it from any natural sediment. Enjoyed now, this wine offers a harmonious fusion of tertiary aromas, supple texture, and enduring freshness that are the hallmarks of a truly great Pauillac.