At a glance

Producer

Château Latour

Region

Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$1,200-$1,800 USD (750ml, current global auction and retail markets)

Tasting profile

Complex aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, graphite, leather, earthy minerality, subtle truffle; palate is powerful yet refined with impressive concentration and length

Evolution: Primary black fruit tones have evolved into cedary, earthy, and savory notes; tertiary characteristics emerging

At peak: Will continue to develop additional layers of complexity, savoriness, and finesse through the 2030s

Structure

Acidity

Medium to high, supports longevity

Tannins

High, fine-grained, resolved but still present

Alcohol

Approx. 13% ABV

Aging potential

Extraordinary; up to 50+ years with optimal storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2049

Optimal window

2010 to 2052

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Excellent bottles maintain structure; provenance-dependent

The 2000 vintage is among the finest modern Latour releases, built on dense fruit, serious structure, and exceptional balance. It is renowned for its slow evolution and can be expected to show at peak well into its fourth and fifth decade.

Food pairing

Prime rib, dry-aged beef, venison, roast lamb, mature hard cheeses, wild mushroom-based dishes

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has high tannins and is 25 years old, which benefits from aeration to enhance its complex aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Château Latour has since invested significantly in sustainable and organic practices, with some organic conversion post-2015. For the 2000 vintage, conventional viticulture and traditional cellar practices were used, with later incremental improvements in water, energy use, and packaging. Recent vintages are certified organic, but the 2000 vintage is not.

The 2000 Château Latour was made prior to the estate's adoption of environmental certifications and broader sustainability initiatives. Practices at the time were conventional for first growth Bordeaux, with significant resource input and a global export model. While Latour has made notable improvements since, including organic conversion for newer releases, the 2000 vintage reflects an earlier approach. Thus, its sustainability score is middle/average relative to the current global fine wine landscape.