2014 Chateau Latour a Pomerol, Pomerol

The 2014 Latour a Pomerol has a similar bouquet to the 2014 La Grave-à-Pomerol at first, yet there is immediately more intensity here, still tertiary with scents of warm gravel on a summer's day and black truffle developing with time in the glass. The palate is well structured, a solid backbone here that supports the layers of spicy blackberry and wild strawberry fruit. This is a Pomerol whereby the more I get to know it, the more I fall for its charms and appreciate that tension and energy on the finish. There is a real flourish to this Pomerol that surpasses its showing from barrel.

The 2014 Latour a Pomerol is dark, seamless and impeccably balanced. Nothing is out of place. Rich and ample on the palate, with notable breadth, the 2014 is striking in its beauty. Black cherry, raspberry jam, spice, new leather and cedar add shades of complexity on the creamy, resonant finish. Even with its obvious size, the 2014 remains remarkably polished, not to mention incredibly appealing.

Rich and dense – quite a contrast to the more transparent La Grave tasted immediately before. Powerful, savoury and meaty. Lots of acidity and tannins with the fruit only just retaining the upper hand. Big and bold and with lovely texture. Very savoury, dense wine. Brooding. (JR)