The 1966 Latour remains an exemplar of the vintage, certainly one of the best, if not the best Left Bank wine of the vintage. Here, served blind, its quality was a beacon, quintessentially Pauillac with that trademark graphite seam through the intense black fruit, cold stone and a touch of tobacco. It remains undimmed by its age (though this was served from a magnum of impeccable provenance). The palate is medium-bodied and that graphite theme continues unabated, flanked by beautiful, precise and pure vestiges of black fruit. "Pure class" are the final two words of my tasting note and at 50 years old, they sum up this immensely impressive Chateau Latour. Tasted September 2016.

The wine of the vintage, the 1966 Latour is a classic, old style Bordeaux that has required decades to become drinkable. A dark, opaque garnet color is followed by a fabulous nose of cedar, sweet leather, black fruits, prunes, and roasted walnuts, refreshing underlying acidity, sweet but noticeable tannin, and a spicy finish. This powerful, vigorous, immensely impressive, concentrated Latour has reached its plateau of maturity, where it will remain for another 10-20 years.

The 1966 is just about at its peak. Medium red color with an amber hue. Shows plum, iodine, tobacco and mint aromas. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and plenty of sweet plum, it goes on and on at the finish.--Latour vertical. Drink now.