1973 Latour
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Tasting notes
The 1973 Latour, gallantly poured from double magnum, displays a curious kidney bean, almost liver-like scent on the nose that is strangely attractive. The palate is medium-bodied, with big-boned tannin, a Latour that lacks grace with a dry, possibly very chaptalized finish, and yet not unattractive. Provenance and size of format are likely to have had their roles to play here. Tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Double magnum . Pale ruby. Rather sweet (chaptalised?), dusty nose. Fine, fresh, if lightweight, fully mature claret on the palate initially although the acidity became increasingly apparent as it sat in the glass. A little skeletal. (JR)
Mid-to-light crimson with lots of evolution. Not a completely clean nose. Some rot? Quite weak. Tastes as if from another era, which indeed it is. Picked much less ripe than it would be nowadays. Lots of acidity and astringence. Hollow. (JR)
A featherweight for Latour, even considering the watery, diluted character of most wines from this vintage, the 1973 Latour still offers light, charming, somewhat complex drinking as it has held together much better than I would have suspected. Soft, ripe, moderately intense flavors seem dominated by Merlot and exhibit no tannin. This atypical Latour requires immediate drinking. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/87.
About the producer
One of Bordeaux’s five First Growths, as classified in 1855, Ch. Latour is among the most famous addresses in Pauillac and the world. The estate is renowned for its long-ageing, powerful and structured wines.