Chateau Latour - 1997 (750ml)

A flavorful, savory Latour, without a great deal of density or power, the 1997 exhibits sweet, walnut-tinged, black currant fruit intertwined with minerals and subtle wood. Nicely-textured, with adequate acidity, ripe tannin, and a medium-bodied finish, this smooth effort should drink well for 12-14 years. - 89 points

(1997 vintage) "Medium to deep ruby-red with dark pigmentation. Aromas are intense & chocolatey with notes of coffee, tobacco & plenty of clean, cedary oak. Initially the fruit is quite closed, the palate shows tobacco & chocolate flavors & is enlivened by fresh acidity. The structure is plush, velvety & cedary. The fruit on the mid-palate opens to show warm plum & chocolate hints, with cassis touches. Alcohol adds a little warmth to the finish which is big but well-balanced." - 11/01 DCAMW