6 magnums per lot
Details
Château Latour--Vintage 1995
Pauillac, 1er cru classé. Château-bottled
Vintage note: After the previous less inspiring four vintages, 1995 was much welcomed by trade and consumers alike. It was the first major en primeur vintage sales campaign since 1990; perhaps overhyped, with prices to match. Yet it has turned out well, to the extent that I am tempted to add an extra star. But let's see
The growing season started well, early and consistent, following a very mid 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 year; unusually hot too, up to 30 degrees. Véraison was early. In short, all was set for an exceptionnel vintage, Picking started early, on 11 September, but was almost immediately interrupted by heavy rain which then subsided into light showers. These lasted until the 20th, after which most châteaux 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 a good future. **** Michael Broadbent, Vintage Wine
Tasting note: A beauty, the opaque dense purple-colored 1995 exhibits jammy cassis, vanillin, and minerals in its fragrant but still youthful aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, with exceptional purity, superb concentration, and a long, intense, ripe, 40-second finish, this is a magnificent example of Latour. As the wine sat in the glass, scents of roasted espresso and toasty new oak emerged. This classic will require considerable cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. 96 points. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #129, June 2000
6 magnums per lot
Pauillac, 1er cru classé. Château-bottled
Vintage note: After the previous less inspiring four vintages, 1995 was much welcomed by trade and consumers alike. It was the first major en primeur vintage sales campaign since 1990; perhaps overhyped, with prices to match. Yet it has turned out well, to the extent that I am tempted to add an extra star. But let's see
The growing season started well, early and consistent, following a very mid 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 year; unusually hot too, up to 30 degrees. Véraison was early. In short, all was set for an exceptionnel vintage, Picking started early, on 11 September, but was almost immediately interrupted by heavy rain which then subsided into light showers. These lasted until the 20th, after which most châteaux 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 a good future. **** Michael Broadbent, Vintage Wine
Tasting note: A beauty, the opaque dense purple-colored 1995 exhibits jammy cassis, vanillin, and minerals in its fragrant but still youthful aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, with exceptional purity, superb concentration, and a long, intense, ripe, 40-second finish, this is a magnificent example of Latour. As the wine sat in the glass, scents of roasted espresso and toasty new oak emerged. This classic will require considerable cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. 96 points. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #129, June 2000
6 magnums per lot
Special notice
(Wine sales only). Christie's charges a Buyer's premium calculated at 17.850% of the hammer price for each lot with a value up to €150,000. If the hammer price of a lot exceeds €150,000 then the premium for the lot is calculated at 17.850% of the first €150,000 plus 11.9% of any amount in excess of €150,000. Buyer's Premium is calculated on this basis for each lot individually.