Pauillac de Chateau Latour 2016

Pauillac de Chateau Latour 2016 is the third wine of First Growth Château Latour, a 750ml Bordeaux red bottled at approximately 13% ABV. Awarded 92 points by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, this 2016 release represents one of the most accessible entry points into the Latour portfolio from an exceptional Bordeaux vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13%  |  Origin: Pauillac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France  |  Vintage: 2016  |  Producer: Château Latour

Production & Heritage

Château Latour has occupied its legendary position in Pauillac since at least the 17th century and was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the original 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The 2016 Pauillac is blended from 54.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.9% Merlot, and 6.5% Petit Verdot, vinified with approximately 20% new oak barrels. As the estate's third wine, it is sourced primarily from younger vines and parcels that fall outside the selection criteria for both the Grand Vin and Les Forts de Latour, yet it still benefits from the same meticulous viticulture and winemaking practiced across the Latour estate.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with dark black cherry and wild blueberry before giving way to layers of graphite, crushed stone, and a subtle earthiness. Hints of licorice and leather emerge with time in the glass, adding complexity.

Taste: The palate entry is concentrated and fruit-driven, with chocolate-covered cherry and sassafras notes at the core. Mid-palate, tilled soil and fallen leaves introduce a savory counterpoint, while fine-grained tannins provide structure. Mineral character — iodine, graphite, and crushed stone — builds steadily toward the peak.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with classic red fruit lingering alongside graphite and mineral elements. A subtle charcoal note adds depth without heaviness, leaving a clean, persistent impression.

How to Drink Pauillac de Latour

This wine is best served at 16–18°C in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass; decanting for 30–60 minutes will help it open fully. It drinks beautifully on its own but also works in food-forward contexts. A Bordelaise-style braised beef mirrors its earthy, savory undercurrents. Herb-crusted rack of lamb complements the Cabernet-driven structure and graphite notes. Aged Comté or Gruyère served alongside dried fruits draws out the wine's subtle sweetness and mineral backbone.

Best For

• Introducing a serious wine collector to Château Latour's style without the Grand Vin price commitment
• Anchoring a 2016 Bordeaux vintage tasting alongside other Left Bank Pauillacs
• Gifting a Bordeaux enthusiast who appreciates First Growth provenance
• Pairing with a refined dinner of grilled red meats or classic French cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pauillac de Latour 2016 taste like? It delivers concentrated black cherry and blueberry fruit layered with graphite, crushed stone, licorice, and savory earth. The tannins are fine-grained, and the finish carries classic Pauillac mineral and red fruit character.

How does Pauillac de Latour compare to Les Forts de Latour? Les Forts de Latour is the estate's second wine, sourced from more mature vines and more prestigious parcels, resulting in greater depth and aging potential. Pauillac de Latour, the third wine, is more approachable in its youth and priced lower, though it shares the same winemaking rigor and Pauillac terroir signature.

Is Pauillac de Latour 2016 good for drinking now? Yes — Jancis Robinson MW rated it 17/20 with a drinking window of 2021–2031, indicating it is in a rewarding phase now while still possessing the structure to develop further over the coming years.

Where is Pauillac de Latour made? It is produced at Château Latour, located in the Pauillac appellation within the Médoc sub-region of Bordeaux, France. The estate sits on the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary, renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines.

What foods pair well with Pauillac de Latour 2016? Grilled lamb chops highlight the wine's tannic structure and herbal nuances. Braised short ribs echo its earthy, savory depth. Duck confit complements the dark fruit concentration. Aged hard cheeses like Comté draw out mineral notes. Mushroom risotto pairs naturally with the wine's graphite and tilled-soil character.

What sizes does Pauillac de Latour come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Pauillac de Latour 2016 worth the price? It positions as a relative value entry into a First Growth estate's production, offering genuine Pauillac character and Latour's winemaking pedigree at a fraction of the Grand Vin or Les Forts de Latour price. The 92-point score from Vinous confirms quality well above its tier.

Why Pauillac de Latour?

Few wines at this price tier carry the DNA of a First Growth Bordeaux estate. The 2016 vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest modern Bordeaux vintages, and this third wine captures that quality through a blend that foregrounds ripe Cabernet Sauvignon alongside substantial Merlot and Petit Verdot. With 92 points from Antonio Galloni and a 17/20 from Jancis Robinson, the wine has earned critical validation that places it well above many similarly positioned third wines. For anyone seeking authentic Pauillac character — graphite, dark fruit, mineral tension — without the cellar commitment or outlay of the Grand Vin, this bottling delivers a legitimate Latour experience.