The 1998 Château Latour is a wine that strikes a balance between approachability and structure. While it is still youthful, with a smoky, roasted nose accented by black plum, fig, and leather, it is surprisingly open and approachable at this stage. The texture is soft, offering a surprisingly smooth mouthfeel for a wine from this estate, though it maintains its firm tannic backbone. With additional complexity from hints of ground coffee and underbrush, it is drinking well now and will continue to evolve over the next decade or so. While not meant for extended aging like other Latours, this vintage offers a fine expression of Latour’s classic power and depth, with a more accessible character for early enjoyment.

Decanter | D 96
Published: Mar 1, 2022
Drink: 2022-2042

As with many of the wines from 1998 that I have tasted recently, the Latour was surprisingly open and approachable. Today the wine has a smoky, almost roasted nose with black plum and fig fruit, hints of smoke, leather, and an undercurrent of ground coffee. The texture is surprisingly open and soft but not falling apart. It is drinking well today and doubtless will hold for another 10 to 15 years but is probably not one for long-term ageing. The spring and the growing season were hot and dry, and although there was rain at harvest the grapes were able to resist rot and dilution due to their thick skins.

The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: Apr 23, 2001 
Drink: 2009-2030

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. 

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 18.5
Published: Dec 28, 2018
Drink: 2014-2040

Dark, youthful crimson. Gorgeous combination of fruit and structure. Cool and smart and not a shouty wine. Pure.

Chateau-latour.com

Château Latour’s Grand Vin is made exclusively from “vieilles vignes”, an average of 60 years-old, in the Enclos. Gravettes, Sarmentier, Pièce de Château... these are the names of some of the finest plots that express the character of the terroir and forge the wine’s identity every year.

The heart of the Enclos is the only terroir that, every year, can produce the depth, elegance and concentration that we expect of the Grand Vin. It is here that the Cabernet Sauvignon (accounting for more than 90% of the blend) can achieve optimal expression in terms of colour, richness and freshness. These wines need time - often a decade- before they begin to be ready for drinking.

In great vintages, the power and energy of Château Latour's wines enables them to continue to develop for several decades with ease. The bouquet and impressions on tasting gradually evolve, becoming increasingly complex, ultimately reaching a peak, after which the tannins soften and then the wine slowly declines. Beyond the pleasure of drinking them, these wines can produce powerful feelings and unforgettable moments.

Château Latour is also known for having the ability to produce fine wines even in difficult years.

1998 Wine style - The wines are dense, structured and tannic. The fruit recalls the 1988, but riper, and the constitution of the 1986, but less austere. Long on the palate, these wines develop strong aromas of liquorice and black cherry. Very classic, the Grand Vin is a typical expression of the power of the terroir of Latour's "Enclos".