It’s hard not to be intimidated by a wine of this reputation but the Latour ’61 welcomed us into the glass with open arms - a year older and yet considerably more generous than the ’62, this was a wine of sensational Latour character. Again, those hallmark gravel and crushed oyster notes were complimented by a remarkably intense, red and black fruit palate with a sensational richness and yet lightness of touch. What can I say? If you can find it, buy it.

Port-like, with an unctuous texture, and a dark garnet color with considerable amber at the edge, the 1961 Latour possesses a viscosity and thickness. One of the three bottles served at the Chateau's tasting revealed a surprisingly aggressive, minty, herbaceous nose, but the other two bottles were liquid perfection, exhibiting fragrant, cedary, truffle, leather, mineral, and sweet, jammy aromatics, full-bodied, voluptuous textures, exquisite purity and concentration, and a layered, highly-nuanced finish that represents the essence of compellingly great wine.

The 1961 has been fully mature for over 15 years, but it seems to get richer, holding onto its succulence and fat, and developing more aromatic nuances without losing any sweetness or concentration. An extraordinary wine, it is unquestionably one of the Bordeaux legends of the century! Anticipated maturity: now-2025