Lots of mineral, crushed stone, iodine and graphite with blackcurrants and blackberries that follow through to a medium body with ultra fine tannins that are ever so polished and give length and energy to the wine. Drinkable now, but even better in 2023.

Starting with the 2016 Le Pauillac De Chateau Latour, which can be thought of as the entry level wine from this great estate, it checks in as a blend of 54.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.9% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. Showing similar to the last showing, it has a gorgeous Pauillac nose of blackcurrants, lead pencil shavings, graphite, tobacco, and damp earth. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully textured, it shows the quality of this great vintage as well as plenty of classic Latour character, allbeit, in a much more upfront, charming style. It's drinking beautifully today yet my money is on it evolving for another two decades.

With a vintage as widely successful as 2016 in this part of the world, it is no surprise that this is a delicious Pauillac de Latour that is easy to recommend. Clear notes of blackberry bud and liquorice root - both flavours given a qualifier to show not only spice and concentration but also good levels of acidity, freshness and sinew. The tannins were so prevalent during en primeur and in-bottle tastings that it was easy to miss how generous the fruit is underneath. A lovely moment to begin drinking.

The third wine of the great Chateau Latour. Lovely, true Pauillac nose, blackcurrant, gravel and cedar. Soft, plush mouthfeel, sweetly fruited, with really soft tannins. A touch of fresh greenness. Classy. - April 2017

I bought a few cases of the 2016 Le Pauillac de Château Latour on release, and the first bottle was showing well, offering up attractive aromas of cassis, cherries, pencil shavings and subtle hints of classy new oak. Medium-bodied, lively and succulent, its powdery tannins are mostly concealed by a demonstrative core of fruit. Made in a juicer, lighter-bodied style than Les Forts and the grand vin itself, this offers considerable pleasure out of the gates.

Full bottle 1,230 g. Grapes picked over a long interval of 22 September to 19 October. 54.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.9% Merlot, 6.5% Petit Verdot. Dark, lustrous crimson. Very forward, come-hither and also energetic with the great advantage of this first growth's top-quality barrels – and attention to organic detail in the vineyard. That stony ripeness on the nose that characterises a good Pauillac with just a slight animal note. Pretty intense, sumptuous nose. Neat, dry palate that's distinctly lighter-bodied than its grander stablemates – just in case we thought we could get a Latour for a Pauillac price. But hugely appetising. With its sinewy (though not excessive) tannins, this is not a wine to sip without food. But based on my experience enjoying various early vintages of this wine, of which Hugh Johnson used to get a good supply when he was a director of Ch Latour, I wouldn't hesitate to keep it for another 10 years. The finish is really something. It just goes on and on! (JR)