Made in the elegant style typical of the Moueix offerings, this dark plum/ruby-tinged effort displays an attractive bouquet of kirsch, sandalwood, mocha, and caramelized fruit. It is medium to full-bodied with upfront, soft, plush fruit, and ripe tannin. Give it 2-4 years of bottle age, and consume it over the following 15 or more. As I said last year, it reminds me of a more modern version of their 1970, albeit somewhat less concentrated.

Sourced directly from Moueix cellars. The 2005 Chateau Latour-a-Pomerol has a very deep garnet core. The nose is well-defined, feminine and pure, with blackcurrant, cassis and blueberry scents. Quite Burgundian, with a lot of sweet unresolved vanillary new oak at the moment. Ditto the palate is very oaky with a smooth sheen, fine tannins, very intense but lacking the breeding of the 2001. Silky finish, redolent of Le Pin in some ways. Fine, but in a very modernistic style. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted December 2008.

Saturated red-ruby. Precise, discreet aromas of black cherry, licorice, minerals and flowers. Suave and sweet, with firm balancing acidity giving definition and lift to the dark fruit and spice flavors. Nicely ripe but not at all over the top. Finishes with sweet, building tannins and subtle lingering flavor.