1 double-magnum per lot
Details
1995 Vintage Report: 1995 was much welcomed by trade and consumer alike. It was the first major en primeur vintage sales campaign since 1990; The growing season started well, early and consistent, following a very mild winter with substantial rainfall to help replenish the water level. Bud break was regular, with rapid flowering before the end of May. The driest summer for 20 years; unusually hot, up to 30 degrees. Veraison was also early. In short it was set for an exceptional vintage. Picking started early, on 11 September, but was almost immediately interrupted by heavy rain which then subsided into light showers. These lasted until after the 20th, after which most chateaux resumed picking in increasingly warm weather ending with an Indian summer. Some Merlots were caught by the early rain, but Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were very successful, the latter achieving almost unheard of sugar levels. Overall, the wines are ripe, firm, with considerable charm and good future. M.B
Château Latour--Vintage 1995
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Tasting note: Latour 1995: 100 new oak noted when first tasting the '95 at the chateau in April 1997. As expected, very intense, with opaque core; gloriously sweet and fragrant nose; good consistency, well integrated, very dry tannic finish. Next, in November 1997, at the pre-sale tasting mentioned above, with more flesh and fruit than the Lafite. Very good, but colossally tannic at the MW Tasting in 1999. At Rodenstock's blind tasting of first growth '95s, the nose somewhat chocolatey, also a whiff of tar; sweet, ripe, very dry but seemingly less oppressively tannic. A fine wine. Long life predicted. Last tasted March 2001 *****. M.B.
1 double-magnum per lot
Château Latour--Vintage 1995
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Tasting note: Latour 1995: 100 new oak noted when first tasting the '95 at the chateau in April 1997. As expected, very intense, with opaque core; gloriously sweet and fragrant nose; good consistency, well integrated, very dry tannic finish. Next, in November 1997, at the pre-sale tasting mentioned above, with more flesh and fruit than the Lafite. Very good, but colossally tannic at the MW Tasting in 1999. At Rodenstock's blind tasting of first growth '95s, the nose somewhat chocolatey, also a whiff of tar; sweet, ripe, very dry but seemingly less oppressively tannic. A fine wine. Long life predicted. Last tasted March 2001 *****. M.B.
1 double-magnum 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.