Chateau Latour   Latour

1998 Latour

By Chateau Latour

1998 Lascombes from Chateau Lascombes, Margaux, Bordeaux, France

A retrospection into the distinguished 1998 vintages from Bordeaux reveals a year of judicious viticultural triumphs, amidst a season marked by climatic caprice. Within this echelon of notable releases, the 1998 Lascombes from Chateau Lascombes beams with an allure bespoke of its Margaux appellation.

 

Artful Assemblage Shaping Investment Calibre

The tapestry of the 1998 vintage was weaved with diligence; a blend where Cabernet Sauvignon's structural poise meets Merlot's succulent depth, underlined by the subtle, yet tactful presence of Petit Verdot. It is within this eclectic melding where the narrative of the 1998 Lascombes unfolds. Moments punctuated by climatic challenges necessitated exacting choices in vineyard and cellar alike, thus crafting a selection ripe for the astute wine investor’s portfolio.

 

Ample Bouquet: A Testament to Terroir and Time

A vivid portrayal of Margaux's finesse, the 1998 vintage exudes a bouquet brimming with blackcurrant and plums, infused with hints of cedar and tobacco—a harmonious reflection of both the estate’s terroir and the grace of its ageing. These aromatic pillars stand tall amidst a firmly tannic structure that whispers promises of further evolution.

The palate mirroring this aromatic complexity, offers an opulent tapestry woven with ripe fruits, intertwined with threads of spice and soft leather, imparted by adept oak maturation. Years have graced the 1998 Lascombes with a balance that intrigues one to ponder over each sip and speculate about the treasures yet to unfold with more cellaring.

In summation, one might contend that the 1998 Lascombes from Chateau Lascombes encapsulates not only the essence of its acclaimed terroir but also epitomises the resolve and attention devoted to winemaking in a year less favoured by nature. Indeed, it is a vintage which has matured into an exquisite collectable—one that continues to enchant fine wine connoisseurs and tempt seasoned investors alike.

Current market price

$8,410.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

387.69

Scores and tasting notes

93

A deep garnet core with a deep crimson rim. I was never convinced about this wine when I tasted it at en primeur and contrasted against its contemporaries in this horizontal, its deficiencies are all too visible. Moderate intensity on the nose, open and expressive with notes of black fruits, wild hedgerow, pencil lead, dried leaves, roasted herbs, perhaps lacking the freshness and vigour of say Haut Brion 1998. The palate is medium-bodied, very harmonious and surprisingly fleshy for Latour, with rounded supple tannins, a certain lushness that you infrequently find here, a touch of spice on the finish. But it lacks the tautness, the tension, the depth and grip of a truly great Latour and against Haut Brion, it shows like the bantamweight of First Growths, a bantamweight Latour? Approach with caution in 2-3 years. Tasted March 2008.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2008

90

Not a blockbuster, the 1998 possesses a dark garnet/purple color in addition to a complex bouquet of underbrush, cedar, walnuts, and licorice-tinged black currants. Although medium to full-bodied and moderately tannic, it lacks the expansiveness in the mid-palate necessary to be truly great. Moreover, the tannin is slightly aggressive, although that is hardly unusual in such a young Latour. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 April 2001

Vintage performance