12 bottles per lot
Details
1988 Vintage Report: The first of a trio of very good vintages and the penultimate vintage of a more than interesting decade. I now think that the '88s, initially somewhat overrated, are now just about coming into their own as serious long-term clarets. Climatically, for this has the greatest influence on quality and quantity, the spring of 1988 was more than unusually wet, necessitating much spraying; the later flowering conditions were uneven. The summer, from July to September, was drier than usual, monthly temperatures being average. The grapes were ripe, thick-skinned, resulting in deep colours and high tannins following a late harvest in satisfactory conditions. My conclusion is that 1988 is a very good vintage and currently undervalued; but in the end, time and tannin will be jostling for supremacy. M.B.
Château Latour--Vintage 1988
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Tasting note: Latour 1988: Latour was still impressively deep and intense; nose low-keyed but harmonious; delicious flavour, full-bodied of course, with good length and a somewhat hot, crisp finish. Complete. Last tasted with Jancis Robinson and Eddie Penning-Rowsell and our spouses, all good tasters, July 1998 **(**) M.B.
12 bottles per lot
Château Latour--Vintage 1988
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Tasting note: Latour 1988: Latour was still impressively deep and intense; nose low-keyed but harmonious; delicious flavour, full-bodied of course, with good length and a somewhat hot, crisp finish. Complete. Last tasted with Jancis Robinson and Eddie Penning-Rowsell and our spouses, all good tasters, July 1998 **(**) M.B.
12 bottles per lot
Special notice
Offered duty paid, but available in bond. VAT at 17.5% will be charged on the hammer price on removal of the lot from bond.