Overview
A classical vintage of one of Bordeaux's most prestigious First Growths, the 2002 Château Latour combines the power and structure of Pauillac with notable freshness and finesse. The Grand Vin is produced from the historic plots of the Enclos, using mature vines averaging around 60 years of age. The vintage has received 96 points from Wine Spectator, The Wine Front and Falstaff, alongside 95 points from The Wine Advocate.
Vintage
The 2002 season was highly variable. Rainfall was lacking from November to April before substantial rain and low temperatures arrived in May. A hot, dry June was followed by storms, while August was frequently overcast and cool. Conditions changed dramatically from 10 September, bringing exceptionally sunny, dry and windy weather. The particularly late harvest ran from 25 September to 17 October, with analyses showing high sugar concentration and excellent potential. Château Latour rated 2002 as a very good year.
Vineyard
Château Latour's Grand Vin is made exclusively from the historic “vieilles vignes” of the Enclos, with an average vine age of approximately 60 years. These include some of the estate's finest plots, such as Gravettes, Sarmentier and Pièce de Château. Cabernet Sauvignon is the defining variety of this terroir, delivering the colour, richness, freshness and structure associated with the Grand Vin.
Critic Reviews
96 Points — Falstaff
Tasted December 2019
“Deep dark ruby with an opaque core and touch of rim brightening. Smoky and spiced on the nose with black fruit, graphite, cedar wood, and hints of liquorice and cassis. It's frankly massive on the palate and tightly meshed, supported by firm tannins that need time to fully integrate. A very complex but anything but charming wine - undoubtedly impressive and yet monolithic at the same time, and perhaps only drinkable after 30 years of bottle ageing.”
96 Points — Wine Spectator
Tasted March 2005
96 Points — The Wine Front
95 Points — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Tasted January 2010
Awards
3 Stars Coup de Coeur — Le Guide Hachette des Vins
2002 Vintage, awarded 2006.
Wine Spectator Top 100 #20
2002 Vintage, awarded 2005.
Producer
Château Latour is a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate situated in Pauillac at the southern end of the Médoc. Its history stretches back centuries, and the château is renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines of exceptional structure and longevity. The Grand Vin comes from the historic Enclos surrounding the château, a terroir capable of producing remarkable depth, elegance and concentration even in challenging vintages.
Specifications
-
Vintage: 2002
-
Producer: Château Latour
-
Grape Varieties: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
-
Region: Pauillac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
-
Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé, 1855 Classification
-
Alcohol: 13%
-
Sweetness: Dry
-
Vineyard: Enclos
-
Average Vine Age: Approximately 60 years
-
Harvest: 25 September–17 October 2002
-
Drinking Window: 2010–2042
