Viniou Reviews
Château Latour 1989, a Premier Grand Cru Classé from the esteemed Pauillac appellation, is an exceptional expression of Bordeaux winemaking. This grand vin is predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, with traces of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 1989 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a warm, even growing season, resulting in fruit of great ripeness and concentration. Traditional vinification practices at Château Latour involve careful hand harvesting, meticulous selection, and long maturation in new French oak barrels, ensuring structure and age-worthiness.
The Pauillac region, located in the northern Médoc, is celebrated for producing some of the world’s most powerful and elegant clarets. Its gravelly soils, enriched with minerals, provide excellent drainage and impart unique complexity and finesse to the wines. Bordering the Gironde estuary, Pauillac enjoys a moderate maritime climate, which tempers the summer heat and allows the grapes to mature fully, while maintaining freshness and balance. The history of Château Latour stretches back centuries, consistently producing wines that epitomise Bordeaux’s grandeur and longevity.
For food pairings, the depth and structure of Château Latour 1989 make it an ideal companion for richly flavoured, classic dishes. Roasted lamb with herbs, entrecôte à la bordelaise, or confit de canard all highlight the wine’s savoury, earthy nuances while complementing its refined tannins. Aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty cheeses from the region also make harmonious partners, enhancing the wine’s subtle notes of cedar and blackcurrant.
Allow this exceptional wine to breathe before serving to fully reveal its complexity developed over decades of cellaring. Decant gently and serve at a temperature of 17-18°C. This will allow the bouquet of cedar, leather, blackcurrant, and earthy truffle to unfold, providing a truly remarkable and contemplative tasting experience.
