1966 Bordeaux wines often sit in the shadow of the 1961 vintage but are now regarded as marking the start of the modern era at Chateau Latour.

While we discuss (or pretend to understand) the gravity flow wineries of today, it was in 1966 that Chateau Latour broke new ground by replacing wooden vats with stainless steel. This innovation was revolutionary at the time, although now something we take for granted. With the new English owners at the helm, one can only imagine the heated conversations in the bars of Pauillac.

The estate, sat on the banks of the Gironde estuary, benefits from a natural cooling system for the vines, promoting earlier ripening and offering protection against frost. Combined with their unique gravelly soils, this distinctive terroir enables Chateau Latour to produce great wines even in challenging years - and often the most celebrated in the best years.

1966 was a relatively fine, uneventful vintage. Its rich, plush, and concentrated longevity was created by a long Indian summer just before harvest. Tasting notes have consistently overflowed with exclamation marks and superlatives. Today, this vintage stands as one of the elder statesmen of the Latour stable, embodying the estate's commitment to excellence and serving as a touchstone for its achievements.

Dreweatts is delighted to offer twelve bottles in our July sale. These wines, after lying undisturbed in a fine cellar for 55 years, appear to be in marvellous condition. While the original wooden case is sadly no longer present, the bottles’ original paper wrappings testify to an environment where they remained loved but untouched.

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Tuesday 29 July (starting at 10.30am BST) at Dreweatts Newbury, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available online, by telephone, by commission bids or in person at Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon BST the day before the sale.

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THINKING OF SELLING? 
Our specialists can provide valuations on single bottles and entire cellars, as well as advice on starting and maintaining your cellar. For further details or a free auction valuation, please contact: 

Dreweatts Wine Department
Mark Robertson | Violette Jongbloed | Emily Clarke
Direct tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 594
Main tel: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553
E-mail: wine@dreweatts.com

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