2016 Pauillac de Château Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux

Dark, lustrous crimson. Very forward, come-hither and also energetic with the great advantage of this first growth's top-quality barrels – and attention to organic detail in the vineyard. That stony ripeness on the nose that characterises a good Pauillac with just a slight animal note. Pretty intense, sumptuous nose. Neat, dry palate that's distinctly lighter-bodied than its grander stablemates – just in case we thought we could get a Latour for a Pauillac price. But hugely appetising. With its sinewy (though not excessive) tannins, this is not a wine to sip without food. But based on my experience enjoying various early vintages of this wine, of which Hugh Johnson used to get a good supply when he was a director of Ch Latour, I wouldn't hesitate to keep it for another 10 years. The finish is really something. It just goes on and on! 13%. Drink 2021 – 2031 jancis_robinson_mw MW, JancisRobinson.com (March 2021)

With a vintage as widely successful as 2016 in this part of the world, it is no surprise that this is a delicious Pauillac de Latour that is easy to recommend. Clear notes of blackberry bud and liquorice root - both flavours given a qualifier to show not only spice and concentration but also good levels of acidity, freshness and sinew. The tannins were so prevalent during en primeur and in-bottle tastings that it was easy to miss how generous the fruit is underneath. A lovely moment to begin drinking. Drink 2021-2032. jane_anson_mw, Decanter (February 2021

The 2016 Pauillac de Château Latour is a compelling, sumptuous wine that shows just how magnificent the year is. How can this be a third wine? Dark and ample in the glass, Latour's Pauillac possesses tremendous breed right out of the gate. Black cherry, graphite, licorice, spice and leather all meld together in the glass. Floral overtones develop nicely with time. Only the (relatively) lighter structure suggests the Pauillac's place in the château's hierarchy. Everything else is first class all the way. The Pauillac is a blend taken from parcels outside the core holdings in the famed enclos, plus younger vines in the enclos. Drink 2022-2036 antonio_galloni, Vinous.com.com (March 2021)

Very well defined Pauillac in 2016. Blackcurrants, black berries and minerals with crushed stones. Full bodied, firm and silky. Gorgeous fruit. james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (February 2019)