Château Latour a Pomerol Pomerol 2020

Château Latour à Pomerol in the appellation of Pomerol is known for producing generous, concentrated wines that strike a perfect balance between elegance and power. The estate is planted to 100% Merlot with an average vine age of 25 years. In the 1940s, 50s and 60s, the wine's majestic style was often compared to Château Pétrus. Today, it typically compares to Châteaux Trotanoy or Lafleur Pétrus. Farmed and managed by the quality-driven Jean-Pierre Moueix firm of Château Pétrus fame, 2020 Latour à Pomerol is a great vintage to cellar and drink/decant from 2028-2040+.

The winter of 2019-2020 was the warmest in France since the beginning of the 20th century. It followed a very wet fall that replenished soil water reserves. January and February 2020 were exceptionally warm and dry, bringing on an early budbreak (from March 22nd). Spring was warm and rainy, with precipitations that were significantly above average. Flowering took place very early, from May 12th to the 22nd. Fruit set was even and abundant, portending good yields. Green harvesting and precise grooming of the vines in the early summer allowed us to rectify the irregularities of the budbreak and even out the yields. Summer was exceptionally hot and dry with virtually no rainfall in July. The estate adjusted their farming methods accordingly. The gravel and clay of Château Latour à Pomerol allowed the vines to draw on the water reserves accumulated over winter and thus not suffer from the drought conditions. Veraison took place from July 14th to 29th. Welcome rain in mid-August ensured the grapes were able to reach full maturity. From the end of August, cool nights allowed the accumulation of sugar and anthocyanines in the berries to resume while preventing the deterioration of acids. The weather in September allowed for a serene harvest from the 14th to the 22nd.

Appellation: Pomerol  
Vineyard size: 8 hectares (19.8 acres)
Vineyard grape varietals: 100% Merlot
Average vine age: 25 years   
Soil Types: Deep gravel & clay (2/3) Clay & loam (1/3)   
Viticulture: Certified HVE 3 « Culture raisonnée » Soil tilling (4 ways) Vine growth   
management adapted to the climatic conditions
Harvest: Manual harvest. Double sorting: manual and optical
Harvest dates: September 14th - 22nd 2020     
Winemaking:  In thermo-regulated concrete and stainless-steel vats Gentle &   
controlled maceration & extraction  
Aging: 16-18 months in French oak barrels (40% new)