BORDEAUX - Château Latour, Pauillac - 1972. 1 bottle of 75 cl. Reference: 1972 is considered to be a poor year, with very wet weather prevailing until 15 April. Then the cold set in with morning frosts. May was wet and cold with frosts. May was a record month for the absence of sunshine and the cold weather continued into the first half of June. Given these exceptionally unfavourable conditions, flowering got off to a slow start on 12 June and was very spread out. July was fine and warm with little rain. Unfortunately, August and September were cold and rainy and the vines were only able to develop very slowly. The harvest lasted from 9 to 24 October in fine weather. The harvest was healthy, with less rot than had been feared, but the musts were acidic, lacking in sugar and colour. On the nose, we find classic Latour aromas of cedar and coffee. The palate has retained some fruit, but lacks balance and has an astringent finish. The wine is well beyond its optimum. Note: The history of Château Latour dates back to the 14th century, when the original tower was built on the estate by Gaucelme de Castillon during the Hundred Years' War. Today, the château is owned by François Pinault and his group, Artemis. The 78-hectare Latour vineyard, located in the Pauillac appellation, rests on an exceptional - not to say extraordinary - terroir, strategically located on the edge of the Gironde estuary. It is planted with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, not forgetting Petit Verdot. The Grand Vin of Château Latour comes exclusively from the old vines of the Enclos, which are on average around sixty years old. Gravettes, Sarmentier, Pièce du Château,... are just some of the finest plots that each year express the character of the terroir and forge the identity of the wine. The heart of the Enclos is the only one capable of delivering the depth, elegance and concentration that you'd expect from a great wine. It is here that the Cabernet Sauvignon (over 90% of the blend) gives its full expression of colour, richness and freshness. These wines need time - often a decade - before they can be enjoyed. In great vintages, the power and energy of Château Latour wines mean that they can easily last for several decades. Their bouquet and taste impressions evolve gradually, becoming more and more complex as they reach their peak, the tannins mellow and the wine slowly declines. Over and above the pleasure, these wines provide real emotions and unforgettable memories. Château Latour is also renowned for its ability to produce top-quality wines in difficult years.