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1988 is a classic great vintage, typical of the Médoc's ocean climate. The Grand Vin presents concentrated aromas of coffee, liquorice and truffle. The wines are full of fruit, very typical of Cabernet Sauvignon, both lively and full-bodied.
Wine Description
The Story
The chateau makes three different wines. The so-called grand vin, that is Château Latour itself, a second wine called Les Forts de Latour and a third wine simply called Pauillac. The grand vin comes from the original part of the vineyards, called the Enclos. This is the most prestigious part of the vineyard where the vines have a fine view of the Gironde estuary. The tradition in Bordeaux says that vines that overlook the water make the best w...
Wine Information
A normal budbreak in early April and good flowering over a sunny period, alternating with a few thunderstorms, promised a bountiful good quality harvest. The summer was very dry and the grapes developed quickly. Some green harvests were done late July. Veraison began on 1 August. August and September were very sunny and seriously lacking in rain. Late September the grapes were very healthy and small, with concentrated juices, promising a great...
Vintage 1988
The first of a trio of great vintages and which was rather overshadowed by the 89s and 90s. Certainly the most "classic" of the trio, with many wines which are not overtly fruit-focused, but which have levels of extract and concentration which make them perfect candidates for prolonged storage.
The first half of the year was exceptionally cold and wet and the vintage was saved by a long, dry and hot summer. Harvest began in mid-September an...
