Tasted at the chateau, my sample was decanted for almost three hours. After the fireworks on the nose of the Les Forts de Latour, the Grand Vin comes as a shock. You have to readjust your mindset ? this is subtle, understated, brooding Latour. Leaving it to one side to open up, it gradually unfurls to reveal very precise black fruits and minerals. It is not as immediate as say, Margaux or Lafite, but draws you in to its charms. The aromatics are misleading. The palate is incredibly intense with mouth-gripping tannins even although the IPT is actually less than the Les Forts de Latour. It offers unbelievably intensity, an almost brutal Latour at the moment that will need 15-20 years in bottle before it becomes approachable. This will rank alongside legends such as the 1961 and 1982 ? but it is a wine for the next generation, not mine. Tasted November 2012. Score: 100 Neal Martin

A magnificent Latour made from 90.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petit Verdot. Incredibly deep and multi-layered, it also shows immense restraint and elegance. The palate is packed full of rich, dark fruit with notes of cassis, blackberries and plums, intermingling with exotic spices, mocha notes and minerals. The alcohol is barely perceptible and textured tannins blend seamlessly with the dense and mouth-filling flavours. Powerful and refined, It will age superbly. Drink 2025 - 60