Louis Latour : Chambertin Grand cru "Cuvée Héritiers Latour" 2018

Captivating blue fruit on the nose, as well as lavender and rose petals. Some hazelnuts and tea, too. Full-bodied with very tight, chewy tannins that are wonderfully polished and energetic. Extremely long and tight right now. Superb structure. Try after 2024, to allow it to show more of its potential.

100% new oak. Cask sample. Deep cherry red. Much more fruity on the nose than the Corton Grancey. Replete with dark-red fruit, much riper than any of the Louis Latour reds tasted so far. However, the texture is still finely dry and the finish is dry and savoury. (JH)

The nose is fruity and offers concentration (with finesse), a lovely fine grain, power and a certain straightness. It reveals notes of juicy blackcurrant, raspberry and, more slightly, fresh/purple plum, combined with small touches of violet and grey pepper, as well as hints of fresh blond tobacco, a touch of local undergrowth and a subtle hint of cinnamon/spices. The palate is subtle, delicate, airy, and offers a certain creaminess, indulgence, lovely definition/roundness, sapidity, and a tangy backbone. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of creamy damson plum, violet and, more slightly, pulpy redcurrant, combined with touches of tangy blackcurrant, as well as fine hints of fresh small berries, cornflower, liquorice, delicate hints of chocolate, caramelization, toasted almond, a subtle hint of hazelnut and an imperceptible varietal/saline note. Good length. The tannins are elegant and supple.

Black cherry, blackberry, licorice, spice and earth aromas and flavors highlight this broad, meaty red. Muscular tannins and bright acidity lend support as this builds to an expansive finish. A bit more gruff around the edges, yet intense and long. Best from 2025 through 2045. 340 cases made, 60 cases imported.

A hint of forest fruit appears one minute; the next this wine's shy nose shuts down again. The palate comes in with concentrated, svelte insistence. Within the frame of the fine tannins there is a certain plushness of fruit, while the firm, graceful structure keeps all within its soaring bounds, channeling energy, aroma and fruit forward into the future. What an experience.