chateau latour bordeaux

2002 Chateau LATOUR Bordeaux Red
First Growth ~ Pauillac

$998.00

96
WA
96
WS
94
VM

The 2002 Château Latour is a magnificent wine that exemplifies the excellence of the renowned Pauillac appellation. This exceptional vintage showcases a deep garnet hue, enticing the senses with its complex aromas of black fruits, cassis, and cedar. On the palate, it reveals a harmonious blend of ripe blackberries, black cherries, and subtle hints of tobacco and spice. The wine’s velvety tannins and well-integrated oak contribute to its elegant structure and long, lingering finish. With its impeccable balance and aging potential, the 2002 Château Latour is a true gem that embodies the timeless allure of Bordeaux’s finest wine
Volume: 750 ML | 14.5% ABV | Collectable | First Growth

1 in stock

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Wne Advocate – 96 Points

“The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Administrator Frederic Engerer seems to be more pleased with what Latour achieved in 2002 than in any other recent vintage. Hats off to him for an extraordinary accomplishment in a vintage that wouldn’t have been expected to produce the raw materials to achieve something at this level of quality. Apr/2005 —Robert Parker |  robertparker.com

Wine Spectator – 96 Points

“Loads of ripe currants, licorice and toasted oak on the nose. Subtle yet impressive. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and chewy tannins. Big and juicy. Deep mid-palate for a 2002. This is the wine of the vintage. A solid, classic Latour that needs bottle age. Mar/2005 —James Suckling | winespectator.com | *Top 100 of 2005, Collectibles*

Vinous – 94 Points

The 2002 Latour is a wine that has impressed ever since I first tasted it from barrel and subsequently both in sighted and blind conditions. It offers disarming black fruit laced with tobacco and graphite on the nose, this bottle showing less of the “Christmas cake” that I remarked in previous bottles. Firm in structure, the 2000 has more charm and vivacity than many of its Left Bank peers this vintage, plenty of cedar and pencil lead notes with a grippy yet detailed finish. You could actually begin broaching this now but it will offer another two decades of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at a private dinner in Bordeaux. Jul/2018 — Neal Martin | vinous.com

Description

Château Latour stands tall in Bordeaux. It’s Pauillac at its core. The Left Bank, with its gravelly soil, gives the vines what they need. The ground drains well, and it holds heat. It’s the kind of place where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives, strong and sure, the backbone of Latour’s blends.

The 2002 vintage was not an easy year. The weather was unpredictable, the summer cool. It was the kind of year that tested the vines and the people who tended them. But Latour rose to the challenge. The grapes ripened slowly, carefully, and when harvest came, they were ready. The wine that followed was strong, with power that would last. It’s a wine that speaks of struggle and triumph, and it carries that story in every bottle.

The 2002 Château Latour has the kind of depth you expect here. The dark fruits are there—cassis, blackberries, layered with cedar and a hint of tobacco. The tannins are firm, giving it structure. It’s a wine that won’t fade. Instead, it grows more complex with time. It deepens.

The vineyard work was precise, each row tended like it mattered, because it did. Yields were kept low to concentrate the quality. The viticulturists knew the vines, worked them by hand, and picked the grapes at just the right moment. It was about keeping the freshness alive, about making a wine that could stand the test of time.

At Château Latour, blending is an art. In 2002, Cabernet Sauvignon led the way, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot adding their voices. Together, they made something greater than the sum of the parts—a wine built to last, with character and strength.

This is a place with history, and the 2002 vintage shows it. It’s about more than the past; it’s about the land and the people who bring it to life every year. It’s about doing things right, from the vine to the glass. That’s what makes the 2002 Château Latour what it is. A true Pauillac.

#20 Wine Spectator Top 100 2005

1855 Classification – First Growth

Château Latour, in the heart of Pauillac, has stood the test of time. Its roots go deep, back to the 14th century when it was called “La Tour de Saint-Maubert.” In the 17th century, the Ségur family took over, and they were the first to shape its reputation.

The real change came in 1815 when Alexander de Ségur, an Englishman with an eye for good land, bought the place. He knew what it could be, and he made it better. The vineyards were tended with care, and the winemaking improved. Château Latour became one of the greats.

The 19th century brought recognition. Château Latour’s wines found favor with European nobility and those who knew what good wine was. In 1855, it was named a First Growth, sealing its place among the finest.

Over the years, ownership changed hands. The British Pearson family had their time. Then François Pinault, a French industrialist, took the reins in 1993. With Pinault came new investment and modern facilities. The old ways were honored, but the methods were refined. The wines became even better.

The estate covers 78 hectares, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards are worked with precision, always with respect for the land. Sustainable practices guide the hands that tend the vines. The goal is simple: to let the terroir speak.

Today, Château Latour stands as a symbol of what Bordeaux can be. The wines are powerful, layered, and built to last. Collectors chase them. Connoisseurs savor them. Each bottle tells a story of a place, a history, and a pursuit of excellence. Château Latour is not just a name. It’s a legacy.

Professional Reviewer

Symbol
The Wine Advocate • robertparker.com — WA
Wine Spectator • winespectator.com — WS
James Suckling • jamessuckling.com — JS
Wine Enthusiast • winemag.com — WE
The Wine Independent • thewineindependent.com — TWI
Allen Meadows —Burghound • burghound.com — BH
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine • cgcw.com — CGCW
Wine & Spirits • wineandspiritsmagazine.com — W&S
The Tasting Panel • tastingpanelmag.com — TP
Antonio Galloni —Vinous Media • vinous.com — VM
Jancis Robinson • jancisrobinson.com — JR
Stephen Tanzer • International Wine Cellar — IWC
Jeb Dunnuck • jebdunnuck.com — JD
Decanter Magazine • decanter.com — D
Jane Anson —Inside Bordeaux • janeanson.com — JA

Expert Wine Reviews & Scores:
Comprehensive Insights from the World’s Top Wine Critics

 

The Wine Advocate (WA) • Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers •

The Wine Advocate is one of the most authoritative sources for wine criticism in the world. Founded by renowned critic Robert M. Parker Jr., the publication pioneered the use of the 100-point wine rating system to evaluate wines. Parker’s meticulous and unbiased approach to reviewing wines has had a profound impact on the global wine market, especially on regions like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Rhone Valley. His high ratings can drastically influence a wine’s market value and popularity, making The Wine Advocate a trusted source for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Today, a team of professional wine reviewers continues to uphold Parker’s high standards, offering detailed tasting notes and expert opinions across a wide range of wine-producing regions. Visit The Wine Advocate for the latest wine reviews and industry insights.

Wine Spectator (WS) • Comprehensive Wine Reviews, Industry News, and Lifestyle Features •

Wine Spectator is a leading publication that covers not just wine reviews, but also industry news, lifestyle features, and food pairings with wine. Since its establishment in 1976, Wine Spectator has been one of the most respected magazines in the world of wine. It provides in-depth tasting notes and wine ratings using a 100-point system, covering wines from regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, Tuscany, and beyond. The publication also highlights the human stories behind winemakers and vineyard owners, offering a rich narrative to accompany its critical assessments. Wine Spectator’s annual “Top 100 Wines” list is eagerly awaited each year by wine professionals and collectors. Their blend of professional reviews and lifestyle content makes it a go-to for anyone passionate about wine. Visit Wine Spectator for more.

James Suckling (JS) • Straightforward Wine Reviews for Serious Enthusiasts •

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Wine Enthusiast (WE) • Wine Reviews, Buying Guides, and Wine Culture •

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The Wine Independent (TWI) • A New Standard in Independent Wine Criticism •

The Wine Independent is a fresh and innovative wine publication co-founded by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, former editor-in-chief of The Wine Advocate. The Wine Independent is committed to providing unbiased wine reviews and in-depth commentary on the wine industry. The publication covers a wide variety of wine-producing regions, offering detailed reviews of wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, and more. By focusing on the integrity and transparency of wine criticism, The Wine Independent aims to provide wine lovers with a reliable and authoritative voice. Whether you are a casual wine drinker or a serious collector, The Wine Independent offers a fresh perspective on the wines that matter most. Discover The Wine Independent.

Allen Meadows, Burghound (BH) • The Leading Source for Burgundy Wine Reviews •

Allen Meadows, widely known as Burghound, is considered one of the foremost experts on Burgundy wines. His publication, Burghound, provides exhaustive reviews of wines from Burgundy, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, offering readers an unparalleled depth of knowledge about this prestigious region. Burghound is a go-to resource for collectors, investors, and anyone deeply interested in Burgundy, with Allen’s detailed terroir analysis and vintage reviews standing out as some of the most comprehensive in the world. His reviews emphasize the subtle differences in terroir and vintage, making them essential reading for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of Burgundy wines. Visit Burghound to explore more.

Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW) • California’s Premier Wine Review Publication •

Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine, or CGCW, has been a trusted source of California wine reviews since 1974. The guide focuses exclusively on California wines, offering insights into both established wine-growing regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma, as well as emerging areas within the state. CGCW uses a straightforward 3-star rating system that is designed to be consumer-friendly while still delivering detailed and informative reviews. Whether you are exploring California Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or lesser-known varietals, CGCW offers expert guidance for understanding the full breadth of the California wine industry. Explore Connoisseur’s Guide for more.

Wine & Spirits (W&S) • Wine Reviews with a Focus on Food Pairings and Sustainability •

Wine & Spirits is a highly respected magazine that has been offering in-depth wine reviews and features since 1982. Known for its panel-based tasting methodology, Wine & Spirits provides highly reliable and consistent wine ratings, covering all the major wine regions across the globe. What sets Wine & Spirits apart is its focus on how wine interacts with food and its commitment to sustainability in the wine industry. Each issue features wine and food pairing guides and highlights sustainable practices in viticulture, making it an essential resource for both wine professionals and eco-conscious wine consumers. Visit Wine & Spirits for more.

The Tasting Panel (TP) • Wine, Spirits, and Beer Reviews for Beverage Professionals •

The Tasting Panel is a trade-focused publication that offers expert reviews of wines, spirits, and beer. It is particularly valuable for professionals in the beverage industry, including sommeliers, buyers, and distributors, as it covers emerging trends and market shifts in the wine and spirits industry. The Tasting Panel’s reviews are highly respected for their precision and insight, with a strong focus on identifying quality and value in both established brands and new players. The publication also explores the intersection of wine, spirits, and food, making it a well-rounded resource for professionals looking to stay ahead in the market. Visit The Tasting Panel for more.

Antonio Galloni, Vinous (VM) • Comprehensive Wine Reviews and Educational Resources •

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Jancis Robinson (JR) • One of the World’s Most Respected Wine Writers •

Jancis Robinson is an internationally recognized wine critic, writer, and author. Her website, JancisRobinson.com, is one of the most comprehensive online resources for wine reviews, covering regions from around the globe. Robinson’s tasting notes are widely respected for their clarity and depth, and she is known for her encyclopedic knowledge of wine. In addition to wine reviews, Robinson is the author of several influential books, including “The Oxford Companion to Wine,” which has become a cornerstone of wine education. Visit Jancis Robinson for expert wine reviews.

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar (IWC) • No-Nonsense Wine Criticism •

Stephen Tanzer founded International Wine Cellar and is known for his unpretentious and honest approach to wine criticism. Tanzer’s concise reviews offer deep insights into the quality and character of wines, with a focus on regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, and California. His journal has long been respected for its integrity and refusal to follow hype, focusing instead on delivering clear and balanced wine evaluations. Tanzer’s work has been influential in shaping the understanding of terroir-driven wines. Learn More about Stephen Tanzer.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) • Wine Critic with a Focus on Rhône and California Wines •

Jeb Dunnuck is a prominent wine critic who started his career reviewing Rhône Valley wines but has since expanded his coverage to include California, Bordeaux, and beyond. His website, JebDunnuck.com, provides in-depth reviews and reports from tastings and vineyard visits, often giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at the wine industry. His reviews are known for being approachable and informative, making them accessible to both casual wine drinkers and serious collectors. Dunnuck’s reviews provide a trusted guide for those looking to explore wines from around the world. Visit Jeb Dunnuck for expert wine reviews.

Decanter Magazine (D) • A Leading British Wine Publication •

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Jane Anson (JA), Inside Bordeaux • The Definitive Guide to Bordeaux Wines •

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