I normally share background about each producer I post, but with this lineup being 3 extremely storied Chateaux, that would get too long, so weโll focus on the basics:
*The producers:* Chateau Latour is one of the five First Growth estates of Bordeaux and, simply put, one of the top wine producers on earth โ itโs known for some of the biggest, boldest wines on the Left Bank (perhaps only second to Mouton). Leoville Barton is a Second Growth while Chateau Palmer is a Third Growth, though Palmer is the more respected producer and would have a shot at First Growth if the 1855 Classification were redone today (it has stayed static other than the promotion of Mouton in the 1970s).
*The vintages:* 1975 is not considered a great vintage, with its wines being known for being extremely tannic and light on fruit. By contrast, 1982 is in the conversation as one of the โ if not THE โ greatest Bordeaux vintages of all time (ripe and generous yet long-lived), and 1990 is also considered an excellent vintage (bigger/richer but perhaps not as consistent or as fresh with acidity as 1982).
Based on the combination of producer + vintage, I went into it fully expecting to like 1982 Palmer the best, though itโs worth noting that Palmer isnโt considered one of the top wines of the vintage (its 1983 is more celebrated)โฆ
**Tasting Notes:** – *1975 Chateau Latour:* Deep garnet. Intense, developed nose of cigar box, pencil shavings, tobacco, and a bit of blackcurrant. Surprisingly tannic for its age, but then again thatโs part of this vintageโs reputation. Medium+, earthy finish. Really nice, but likely the least impressive (non-flawed) First Growth Iโve had. – *1982 Chateau Palmer:* Deep ruby with pale garnet on the rim. Nose of red cherry, licorice, and dark, dried flowers. Palate is earthier and less fruity than the nose, with tannins fully integrated. Long, elegant finish. Delicious. – *1990 Leoville Barton:* Medium ruby with garnet rim. Nose of ripe red and black berries, along with coffee, tobacco, and leather. Black-fruited and earthy palate with fully resolved tannins. Long, complex finish. Stunning.
**The verdict:** On this night, I gave Leoville Barton the surprising slight edge over Palmer โ fruit was brighter and its finish more interesting. Latour came third, though honestly all showed well. That said, I think they should be consumed in the near future (the LB can likely age longer, but Iโm not sure itโll get *better*).
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I normally share background about each producer I post, but with this lineup being 3 extremely storied Chateaux, that would get too long, so weโll focus on the basics:
*The producers:* Chateau Latour is one of the five First Growth estates of Bordeaux and, simply put, one of the top wine producers on earth โ itโs known for some of the biggest, boldest wines on the Left Bank (perhaps only second to Mouton). Leoville Barton is a Second Growth while Chateau Palmer is a Third Growth, though Palmer is the more respected producer and would have a shot at First Growth if the 1855 Classification were redone today (it has stayed static other than the promotion of Mouton in the 1970s).
*The vintages:* 1975 is not considered a great vintage, with its wines being known for being extremely tannic and light on fruit. By contrast, 1982 is in the conversation as one of the โ if not THE โ greatest Bordeaux vintages of all time (ripe and generous yet long-lived), and 1990 is also considered an excellent vintage (bigger/richer but perhaps not as consistent or as fresh with acidity as 1982).
Based on the combination of producer + vintage, I went into it fully expecting to like 1982 Palmer the best, though itโs worth noting that Palmer isnโt considered one of the top wines of the vintage (its 1983 is more celebrated)โฆ
**Tasting Notes:**
– *1975 Chateau Latour:* Deep garnet. Intense, developed nose of cigar box, pencil shavings, tobacco, and a bit of blackcurrant. Surprisingly tannic for its age, but then again thatโs part of this vintageโs reputation. Medium+, earthy finish. Really nice, but likely the least impressive (non-flawed) First Growth Iโve had.
– *1982 Chateau Palmer:* Deep ruby with pale garnet on the rim. Nose of red cherry, licorice, and dark, dried flowers. Palate is earthier and less fruity than the nose, with tannins fully integrated. Long, elegant finish. Delicious.
– *1990 Leoville Barton:* Medium ruby with garnet rim. Nose of ripe red and black berries, along with coffee, tobacco, and leather. Black-fruited and earthy palate with fully resolved tannins. Long, complex finish. Stunning.
**The verdict:** On this night, I gave Leoville Barton the surprising slight edge over Palmer โ fruit was brighter and its finish more interesting. Latour came third, though honestly all showed well. That said, I think they should be consumed in the near future (the LB can likely age longer, but Iโm not sure itโll get *better*).