Château Latour en double-magnums 1986
Rouge, Pauillac, 1986
Commenté par Alexandre de Bethmann, Château Olivier
Les millésimes en 6 : 2006, 1996, 1986, 1976, 1966, 1916
The Academie reached out a couple of weeks ago to ask me if I would be willing to present the 1986 vintage from Chateau Latour. It is with great honor and privilege I do so this evening.
Chateau Latour is owned by the luxury brand guru Francois Pinault. He purchased the estate in 1993, reverting ownership back to the French after being held by the British for three decades. Here tonight from the estate we have two representatives: Jean Garandeau in charge of sales and marketing and Rufus Beazley who responsible for sales and marketing n Asia.
Gentlemen welcome.
How do we remember 1986?
The must significant event was the explosion at the nuclear plant in Chernobyl.
Locally, the most significant event was of a very different nature: the local football/soccer team, the Girondins of Bordeaux won the national championship
For Chateau Latour 1986 marks a turning point as it was the first time in its history they applied crop thinning to the entire vineyard. This was done to enhance the concentration of the raw material in its berries.
The weather in 1986 can be described as above average: after a cold winter, which delayed the start of the growing season, things started to come together. Everything that had to do with flowering, bud break and fruit set occurred under excellent conditions. Summer was superb and dry. In September, the rain caused some concerns among vineyard owners as some berries experienced some swelling. However, the following week, the breeze and the sunshine which prevailed throughout the harvest avoided any deterioration in sanitary conditions. The berries collected were of high quality.
The 1986 vintage from Chateau Latour is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4 % Cabernet Franc and 1 % Petit Verdot.
I had the opportunity to taste in the Chateau Latour, and I can tell you that it is absolutely fantastic. It is a magnificent example of what we are able to do in Bordeaux. The aromas of the bouquet are sensational as they are expressive and complex. I leave you the pleasure of discovering the complexity of the bouquet on your own; this is a real treat. The tannins are firm yet smooth and silky. They are well polished. Chateau Latour succeeded in finding the perfect balance between power and elegance. The wine is complete and complex, and is a perfect match to your rack of lamb dish.
It is with great pleasure that I present you with the 1986 vintage from Chateau Latour.
Thank you for listening.
