2006 Pauillac de Latour

Latour's third wine, the 2006 Pauillac, exhibits a dark ruby color as well as a big, sweet nose of dusty, loamy soil and ripe cherries. Round, medium-bodied, and easy to appreciate as well as consume, it should drink well for 7-8 years. Latour's brilliant manager, Frederic Engerer, has purchased 15 hectares of old vine Grenache and Syrah in the Cotes du Rhone region, the Drome, at a cool-climate elevation. I can't wait to see the first vintage from this Cotes du Rhone project.

49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. 15% of production. A remarkably high percentage (30%) of press wine this year. Very dark – darker crimson than Les Forts. Right out to the rim. Rather muddy, indistinct nose. Not much definition on the nose – pretty smooth and meaty on the palate. Pretty plush at the beginning but then the tannins, which are fairly smooth, have a little green edge. Round but chunky. Mouthfilling. Very fine tannins. Fades on the finish – it’s all upfront – not to be taken too seriously! (JR)