The 2002 Latour is a wine that has impressed ever since I first tasted it from barrel and subsequently both in sighted and blind conditions. It offers disarming black fruit laced with tobacco and graphite on the nose, this bottle showing less of the "Christmas cake" that I remarked in previous bottles. Firm in structure, the 2000 has more charm and vivacity than many of its Left Bank peers this vintage, plenty of cedar and pencil lead notes with a grippy yet detailed finish. You could actually begin broaching this now but it will offer another two decades of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at a private dinner in Bordeaux.

A classic second wine that shows outstanding potential, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2002 has notes of cedar wood, black currants, earth, and truffles in a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, beautifully concentrated style that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.

(a blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon and 18% merlot) Bright ruby-red. Nose dominated by cassis, mulberry and licorice. Juicy, sweet and bright, with the floral cassis flavor enlivened by racy acidity. This has a rather sensual texture and considerable opulence ("almost too good today," notes Engerer). The crushed dark berry and violet flavors linger on the long, firm finish.