Château Latour 1996 Pauillac
1996, a year when Cabernet ripened to perfection. Pauillac’s towering estate now reveals its true worth
Château Latour, the absolute benchmark of the Médoc, is born from its home vineyard known as “l’Enclos”, overlooking the Gironde estuary. 1996 was an outstanding year on the Left Bank, and in Pauillac in particular, when Cabernet Sauvignon reached perfect ripeness; it is known as a vintage built for long ageing, with abundant tannins and taut acidity. After more than a quarter of a century in bottle, its firm structure is at last beginning to unfurl.
Tasting Notes
Deep garnet with a first hint of brick at the rim. From the glass rise layers of cassis liqueur and blackcurrant compote, with graphite, cedar, cigar box, dried herbs and damp forest floor. On the palate, tannins polished by age spread with a velvety texture, while concentrated black fruit is supported by Pauillac’s ferrous minerality and tight acidity. The density from mid-palate to finish, and a finish that lasts for minutes, are the hallmark of this château.
Drinking Window
Already in a superb drinking window, yet with ample potential and the structure to last until around 2040. It opens slowly after uncorking, so we recommend opening it 1–2 hours before serving, or decanting.
Food Pairings
- Rack of lamb with herb crust
- Roast Wagyu fillet with red wine sauce
- Long-aged Comté or Mimolette
Grape Varieties
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Product Information
- Volume: 750ml
- Type: Red, full-bodied
- Region: France / Bordeaux / Médoc / Pauillac (Médoc First Growth)
- Product code: C96R3281
Notes on Old Vintages
- The condition of labels, capsules and corks, as well as fill levels, varies from bottle to bottle. These are natural changes that come with long ageing and are not quality defects.
- Due to the nature of aged wines, we cannot guarantee the condition of the wine once opened. Returns or exchanges for customer reasons are not accepted.
- Corks may be fragile, so please take care when opening.
- All bottles are already in our warehouse and ready to ship. Quantities are limited and orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Producer
- Secret Cellar
We are happy to gift-wrap your order.
Gift boxes
Boxes are available for one or two bottles.
Prices are shown on each product page and in the cart.
Noshi (Japanese ceremonial wrapping)
We cover the full range of noshi occasions — congratulations, thanks, mid-year and year-end gifts, and gifts in return. If you would like a particular inscription or name, please note it in the order comments.
How to order
Let us know at checkout if you would like your order gift-wrapped.
Gift orders are sent without an invoice showing the price.
Conditions and time limits
Because these are beverages, we are generally unable to accept returns or exchanges for reasons of personal preference. Please order with care.
Even with chilled delivery, a rapid change in temperature can cause slight seepage. This does not affect the quality of the wine, and we are unable to offer an exchange or refund in such cases. Every bottle is visually checked before packing.
Where the fault is ours, returns and exchanges are accepted within 7 days of delivery.
We are unable to help after that period, so thank you for your understanding.
Return postage
Where the fault is ours — a faulty bottle or the wrong item — we cover the cost of return. Returns and exchanges for reasons of personal preference are not accepted.
Faulty items
If anything arrives faulty, we will replace it with a new bottle or an equivalent, subject to availability.
Please contact us by email or telephone within 7 days of delivery. We are unable to accept requests after that period.
Refunds for events
Full refund
If an event is cancelled by the organiser, or cannot be held because of a natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstance, we refund in full.
No refund
For cancellations by the customer, we refund in full up to 3 days before the event; after that, no refund is available.
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