Château Latour 1945

Château Latour tasting from 1928-1990 /  Chateau Latour 1945 presents a deep, garnet hue with subtle hints of brick-orange at the edges, indicating its maturity and long aging.The bouquet is incredibly complex and captivating, offering a symphony of aromas that evolve with each swirl of the glass. Initial notes of ripe black fruits such as blackcurrants and plums mingle with nuances of cedar, leather, and tobacco. As the wine opens up, delicate hints of dried herbs, truffles, and earthy undertones emerge, adding layers of intrigue to the olfactory experience.

 On the palate, Chateau Latour 1945 showcases its remarkable depth and structure. The velvety texture coats the palate with flavors of rich dark fruits, accented by touches of spice and a subtle minerality that speaks to its terroir. The tannins, though still present, have softened over time, lending a smooth and seamless mouthfeel. There is a beautiful balance between fruit intensity, acidity, and tannic grip, indicative of the wine's impeccable aging potential.

The finish is long and lingering, leaving an impression of elegance and sophistication. Subtle echoes of dark chocolate and espresso linger on the palate, accompanied by a touch of graphite minerality that adds to the wine's complexity.

100 points

There is only one vintage to go to after a trio of 98+ 1959s….1945, of course.  The 1945 Latour has often been an overlooked wine, and certain bottles can flirt with the 1945 Mouton, but unfortunately not this one.  There were aromas of coconut and old book to go with more library, but this was an ‘oxidized’ bottle.  While round and rich, this just wasn’t the celestial bottle it can be (94A).

Château Latour is one of the most esteemed wine estates in Bordeaux, known for producing exceptional wines. The 1945 vintage of Château Latour is legendary and considered one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages of the 20th century. 

The wine have evolved to a deep garnet or brick-red color with hints of orange at the rim, indicating its significant age.
A well-preserved bottle like this one still exhibit a complex and intense bouquet. You get aromas of dried fruits (such as currants and prunes), tobacco, cedar, leather, earthy notes, and hints of spices and herbs. There are also subtle floral and truffle-like nuances.
 On the palate, the wine offer a rich and concentrated experience. Flavors of dried fruits, tobacco, leather, cedar, and some tertiary notes like mushroom and forest floor are present. The tannins have softened considerably, resulting in a velvety and silky texture. The acidity still provide some freshness, contributing to the wine's overall balance.
The structure of Château Latour 1945 have evolved to a harmonious and well-integrated state. The tannins, acidity, and alcohol are well balanced, giving the wine a seamless and elegant profile.
The finish is long and lingering, with a complex and evolving aftertaste that showcases the wine's depth and maturity.

It's essential to emphasize that the quality and condition of a bottle from 1945 can vary greatly depending on its storage history. Proper cellar conditions, including temperature and humidity control, are vital for preserving the quality of aged wines. Additionally, while legendary vintages like 1945 have the potential for exceptional longevity, they can also be past their prime, so there's a risk of them being over the hill and no longer at their peak.

If you have the opportunity to taste a Château Latour 1945, it would be a remarkable experience, as wines from this vintage are considered some of the finest Bordeaux wines ever produced. However, bottles from this era are exceptionally rare and valuable, so such an opportunity is quite rare and should be cherished.

Concentrated, stern and with some, old school rusticity in the tannins, the burning wood, tobacco, lead pencil, cigar box, cassis and smokey notes sang, but the tune would have been better without the VA. Full-bodied on the palate, the wine had a presence, but it was on the older, more stern side of the style range, with a combination of sweet and tart red fruits and salt in the finish. 92 Points" - 92/100