So for my bday, I got this bottle as a present.

While younger, JS rated it 100, then later on rated it 99 consistently.

Anyone know what Parker rated it?

When should I drink it? Now? Wait a little bit?

Most definitely for a special occasion.

Parker gave it a 98+. IMO,I would drink this on you birthday 10 years from now. 15-25 years is best for Latour. Happy B-Day.

[ 10-28-2002, 02:59 PM: Message edited by: ojingalena ]

While I have never had this, I have read many discussions involving this wine. Wait 10 years ... at least. And if stored correctly, it will probably make it to 2050.

Hey Rev -

What a great gift, I'd love to have a bottle of that - one day perhaps. I can't offer any TNs, but I can tell you what RP has to say:

Jun 1992, 94-98 points
Feb 1993, 98 points
Aug 1993, 98 points
Oct 1994, 98 points
Feb 1997, 98 points
Jun 2000, 96 points

Excerpts from Jun 2000:

"This is a beauty, but not the awesome blockbuster I remembered. There is a roasted, earthy, hot year character with extremely low acidity, fleshy, seductive, opulently-textured flavors, and a full-bodied finish with considerable amounts of glycerin and tannin."

"...it will last 25-30 years, but is it the immortal classic many observers, including myself, thought it was? Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030."

Ah... Great guys!! Thanks!!

I was tempted to bring to a wine dinner that is currently being planned, but I think I may have to hold off a few years.

However, it seems both Parker and JS have rated lower the last time they tasted it. Is this a dumbing down? Or is this a true indication of this wine's non-potential for aging. Parker mentions the low acidity, which I hear is crucial for a wine to age properly.

Curious.....maybe I should open it.

I have been jealously think now for an hour. The 98+ I saw was from the 5th edition. Based on his last tasting notes from EW, imo his 96 was might be the lack of aging potential. I believe he rates up to 10 points for overall quality for aging, hence the reason for the drop.
Maybe you should drink it and tell us!
Anyway, looking forward to the TN.

I would definitely hold off on this wine. But, if you got the fortitude, definitely decant this the morning of the tasting. I recently had the '86 LaTour and it was decanted 8-10 hours prior to tasting and it still stripped my tongue of taste buds.

Also, going from a 100 to a 99 doesn't signify much of a decline in the wine to me. A 100 to a 96, then there might be something up.

[ 10-28-2002, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: R2-D2 ]

100,99,98,94 what ever! I have had the pleasure to enjoy this fine bottle about six times, once from a half bottle.It needs time sure, but don't forget the vintage is a lush one not nearly as tannic as '86.I say drink up and post your notes.

In a recent issue of IWC, Tanzer had a 1982 vintage tasting. They also had some other great years of wines. The 1990 Latour was rated higher than the 1982 latour. Here is what he said.

$469-$658) Medium-deep red. Great vibrant nose of redcurrant, licorice, minerals and tobacco, along with a minty austerity. Thick and large-scaled, like an essence of Pauillac. Really explodes in the middle palate. Incredible unfolding peacock tail of a finish. A monumental, powerfully structured wine with great long-term aging potential. Drink 2008 through 2040. 98 points