tour hp blanche

Tire Products, Guides, And Advice That Make The Grade

Michelin Latitude Tour HP Review

Time To Read:

• Michelin Latitude Tour HP Problems
• Michelin Latitude Tour HP Alternatives
• Final Thoughts
• Michelin Latitude Tour HP

Considering a new set of tires for your SUV or crossover and stumbled upon the Michelin Latitude Tour HP? With so many tire options out there, it can be tough to figure out if this one is the right fit for you. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the Michelin Latitude Tour HP to see if it meets your needs.

The Michelin Latitude Tour HP offers solid performance and comfort but falls short in severe winter conditions compared to leading competitors. It’s a dependable choice for most seasons but may not be the best for heavy snow or ice.

In this article, we’ll break down the key features, performance metrics, common problems, and the best alternatives to the Michelin Latitude Tour HP.

The Michelin Latitude Tour HP is a popular choice for many SUV and crossover drivers, offering a comfortable ride and dependable performance. However, like any product, it has its drawbacks. It’s important to understand these potential issues to make an informed decision based on your specific driving needs.

Road Noise and Comfort

• Increased Road Noise: Some users report that the Latitude Tour HP can be noisier than expected, especially at highway speeds. While generally quieter than many performance-focused tires, its noise level may still be noticeable to some drivers who prioritize a quiet cabin.
• Ride Comfort: While this tire is designed for comfort, some drivers have found the ride to be less smooth on uneven roads. The focus on durability and all-season capability might contribute to a firmer ride compared to other touring tires.

Tread Wear and Longevity

• Variable Tread Life: Although Michelin is known for durable tires, some drivers have reported varied tread life with the Latitude Tour HP. Factors such as driving style, vehicle type, and regular maintenance can impact how long the tread lasts. Some users have experienced faster wear than anticipated.
• Warranty Coverage Concerns: There have been mentions of dissatisfaction with the treadwear warranty. Some drivers feel the actual lifespan of the tire under normal driving conditions doesn’t always match the warranty claims.

Winter Performance Limitations

• Ice and Deep Snow Traction: The Latitude Tour HP is not a strong performer in severe winter conditions. Its ice traction rating is relatively low, and while it can handle light snow, deep snow performance is limited. Drivers in regions with harsh winters might need to consider additional winter-specific tires.

Comparison to Alternatives

• Performance Against Competitors: When compared to leading alternatives, the Latitude Tour HP performs well in comfort and dry handling. However, it may fall short in treadwear longevity and severe winter performance. If on-road comfort and extended tread life are top priorities, some competitors might offer a better balance for everyday driving.

The Bottom Line

The Michelin Latitude Tour HP offers a good blend of comfort, dry handling, and wet traction for SUVs and crossovers. However, prospective buyers should consider its potential for increased road noise, variable tread life, and limited severe winter performance. Understanding these issues can help ensure that the tire meets your specific driving needs and expectations.

While the Michelin Latitude Tour HP is a solid all-season tire for SUVs and crossovers, you might want to explore other options that better suit your specific needs. Here are three top alternatives, each with its own set of strengths, including a budget-conscious choice for those looking to save some cash without sacrificing performance.

Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive

Overall Rating: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a top-tier all-season tire that excels in various conditions.

• Performance: This tire shines with a wet traction rating of 9.5 and dry performance rating of 9.5. It’s also outstanding in winter, with light snow traction rated at 9.4 and deep snow traction at 9.2. This makes it a reliable choice for year-round driving.
• Comfort: Offering a smooth and quiet ride, the Scorpion WeatherActive scores 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the Latitude Tour HP.
• Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it promises a longer lifespan compared to the Latitude Tour HP.

Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive outperforms the Latitude Tour HP in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear. It’s a robust option for those seeking top performance across all seasons.

Michelin CrossClimate SUV

Overall Rating: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is an excellent option for those wanting high performance in all seasons.

• Performance: It boasts strong wet and dry ratings, with a wet traction rating of 9.4 and dry performance rating of 9.5. Its winter performance is solid, with an overall rating of 8.7 in snow and ice conditions.
• Comfort: The tire offers a comfortable ride with a ride quality rating of 9.1, although its noise level is slightly lower at 8.5.
• Treadwear: It has a treadwear rating of 8.3, which is comparable but slightly lower than the Latitude Tour HP.

Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is on par with the Latitude Tour HP in wet and dry conditions but offers better winter performance. It’s a great option if you need an all-season tire that handles diverse weather well.

Yokohama Geolandar CV G058

Overall Rating: The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is a solid, budget-friendly all-season tire that doesn’t skimp on performance.

• Performance: With wet and dry ratings of 9.1 and 9.2 respectively, it performs well across various conditions. Its winter performance is average, with a 7.9 rating for ice traction.
• Comfort: It offers a comfortable ride with a ride quality rating of 9.0, and it’s relatively quiet with a noise rating of 8.6.
• Treadwear: The tire has a good treadwear rating of 9.0, making it a durable choice for the price.

Comparison: While the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 might not match the top-tier performance of the Latitude Tour HP, it offers a very competitive alternative at a lower price. It’s a great pick for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Each of these alternatives provides a distinct set of features tailored to different priorities.

• The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is ideal for top performance in all conditions.
• The Michelin CrossClimate SUV offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in winter performance.
• The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 provides solid performance at a budget-friendly price.

Depending on your driving needs and budget, these options present viable choices to consider alongside the Michelin Latitude Tour HP.

Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:

• Michelin Product Page
• Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season Tire Consumer Ratings – Tire Rack

The Michelin Latitude Tour HP shines with its reliable wet and dry performance and impressive ride comfort. These strengths make it a great option for daily driving and long road trips. However, it does have its drawbacks, particularly in severe winter conditions where it doesn’t perform as well as some of its competitors. Its treadwear rating is also lower, which might mean you’ll need replacements sooner than with other high-end options.

Overall, the Michelin Latitude Tour HP is on par with many top all-season tires for SUVs and crossovers, especially in terms of comfort and dry handling. If you’re looking for a tire that balances performance and comfort for most of the year, this could be a solid choice. However, for those who deal with harsh winters regularly, exploring other options might be wise.

Good luck and happy motoring.

About The Author

Will, the founder of TireGrades.com, is a tire expert and car enthusiast with roots in the industry dating back to his childhood next to the founder of Parrish Tire. His expertise, honed through a consulting role with Discount Tire, encompasses developing training courses and strategic planning.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina—a hub for tire manufacturing and NASCAR—Will’s three-decade passion with all things on 4 wheels includes involvement in SCCA events and local car clubs. At TireGrades.com, he dedicates himself to providing practical solutions and reliable information for common tire-related queries, helping vehicle owners make informed decisions.

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Chateau la Tour Blanche Sauternes: 2019-1975

by Ian D’Agata

Chateau La Tour Blanche (the circumflex accent on the first “a” of the word château no longer appears on the winery’s newer labels, while it was present on the labels of the older vintages, such as for example in the 1970s) is one of the most important and best-known wines of Sauternes. It is, without doubt, one of the top five-six wines of Sauternes and one of the world’s truly great sweet wines. In fact, most people are not aware that Chateau La Tour Blanche was once viewed as the best Sauternes wine of all right after Château d’Yquem (the latter estate does use the accent on the first “a” of château ). Though it is not often addressed, the well-known 1855 Classification of Bordeaux’s wines, drawn up by the Syndicat des Courtiers des Vins en Bordeaux (under the watchful eye of the city’s chamber of commerce) on the express request of Emperor Napoleon III (who wished for Bordeaux’s best wines to be showcased at the Exposition Universally to be held in Paris), did not list the wines haphazardly or in alphabetical order. Rather, the order in which the wines were placed in the classement followed a scale of quality (and this for both the red and the sweet white wines: it is not by chance that Mouton-Rothschild was initially placed first among the second crus): in this respect, it is important to know that Chateau La Tour Blanche was listed in the first spot among the Premier Crus of Sauternes (the “ premier of the premiers ”, if you will), second only to d’Yquem (which is the only Bordeaux, white or red, to have been qualified as a Premier Grand Cru Supérieur) . It follows that Chateau La Tour Blanche has been held in extremely high esteem since a very long time. And given the quality of its wines, both past and present, we probably should too.

A little bit of history

Not surprisingly for a wine from Bordeaux, the history of La Tour Blanche goes back many, many centuries. But for simplicity’s sake, it is generally taken to start in the seventeenth century with the arrival on the scene of Jean de Saint-Marc, one of the many important individuals (he was treasurer to King Louis XVI) who contributed to the property’s fame throughout the centuries). It was he who was the one to give the estate its present-day name. No, the name of the Chateau does not derive from a white tower ( tour blanche , in French) that stands there. Rather, the name of the winery stems from Jean de Saint-Marc being the Sieur de La Tour Blanche (Lord of the Tour Blanche); he added his name to the property’s as was the custom of the times. He also invested heavily in upgrading the estate, turning what used to be a more modest chartreuse (or country house typical of France’s Southwest) into the beautiful château that we know of today. And among his building endeavours, he did have a white tower built, so as to make the estate’s name more pertinent (for a while, the tower was a pigionnier , a very common construction of the time). Another owner of La Tour Blanche, Frederic Focke, did much to promote the need to late harvest in the area, a winemaking technique that was already in use in Sauternes but apparently not as widespread as it was to become later in time, or as it is today. (Focke was of German descent and was well-aware of how important late harvesting was to the success of his original country’s Riesling wines.) The third important figure in the history of La Tour Blanche was Daniel Iffla, who went by the pseudonym of Osiris. An exceptionally wealthy man who loved the finest wines, he spent a good deal of his time in Arcachon but never failed to live at La Tour Blanche during harvest. As he had no heirs, he specified in his will that upon his death Chateau La Tour Blanche would be donated to the French state upon the government meeting the testamentary provision that a viticulture and oenology school would be built on the château ’s grounds. Iffla passed away in 1907; in 1909 the French government accepted the stipulation and the school was officially opened once construction was completed in 1911. (In this respect, note that all the bottles of Chateau La Tour Blanche Sauternes carry the words “Donation Osiris” at the bottom of the front label.) Today, the estate belongs to the French region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, who has been its owner since 2010. The school and winery run separately but are under the control of the same government entity. The school has had many noteworthy, even famous graduates over the years, including for example the world-famous winemaker Michel Rolland.

Chateau La Tour Blanche: grape varieties and the unique terroir of Bommes

Chateau La Tour Blanche boasts 44 hectares most of which are under vine, planted to roughly 83% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle (beware that you will read of varying percentages on various websites and written reports, such as 83% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle). No matter: what is interesting and noteworthy about Chateau La Tour Blanche is that this is one Sauternes property that boasts large plantings of Muscadelle, nowadays a very rare variety in the Sauternais but that has very strongly marked many vintages of this Sauternes in particular (witness the very excellent and very underrated 2013 and 2016 Chateau La Tour Blanche wines). The estate also grows a few hectares of Merlot, and is one of the rare Sauternes estates that also makes and sells a Rosé and a red wine (see below).

Chateau La Tour Blanche is located in Bommes, one of the five communes that are part of the Sauternes Appellation along with the towns of Barsac, Preignac, Fargues and Sauternes itself. Of these communes, only the wines of Barsac have the right and option to be called Barsac instead of Sauternes (something that a select few Barsac estates choose to do, while others prefer to use the better-known and more easily recognized Sauternes monicker). But there is a well-grounded reason for this exception, one that actually applies to the other communes of the Sauternais as well. Whereas most everybody tends to think of the Sauternes area as one and the same, nothing could be further from the truth: Barsac, for example, is a lower-lying area with soils that are siltier and sandier than those of Sauternes, making for lighter, more refined wines that are very clearly distinguishable, even when tasting blind, from the richer wines of Sauternes. The same caveats apply to the other communes of the Sauternais, not just to Barsac: with a little experience, the wines of Preignac are recognizably different from those of the other communes, for example. It is so too with the wines of Bommes: more or less minimal soil differences between the communes aside (that are nonetheless present), it Bommes is an area characterized by a special topography and hence very different wind currents than the rest of the Sauternais. This has very meaningful consequences on the formation of frost and noble rot, as has been observed in many vintages, such as for example 2017. In that vintage, while most of Barsac’s grapes were wiped out by horrific frost episodes, Bommes enjoyed (for the most part) bumper crops. In a wine production area as unique as that of Sauternes, another important aspect is the altitude at which the vineyards lie: in this respect, La Tour Blanche lies at one of the higher spots of the Sauternes Appellation, at roughly 67 meters above sea level. It is also very close to the Ciron stream, the cool waters of which mixing with those of the Garonne help create copious amounts of noble rot in many vintages (other necessary conditions for the development of noble rot permitting). The soil at La Tour Blanche is mostly gravel over clay-limestone. In short, the property as a truly blessed terroir when it comes to potentially making outstanding Sauternes wines.

Physical parameters of terroir aside, at La Tour Blanche they are also lucky to have a very talented and forward-thinking technical staff. While La Tour Blanche’s wines have always been immediately recognizable for a generally richer, thicker, sweeter style in most vintages, this truism may in fact no longer apply, as at least to my mind, La Tour Blanche wines after 1990 have been less marked by a “full throttle” approach and are not as mouth-coatingly rich and thick as they once were. Part of this is due to the larger than usual presence of Muscadelle in the final blend of many vintages, a good idea that rather than making the wines more dilute helps make them more drinkable and refined. Since the 2011 vintage, I find there has been a noteworthy uptick in purity and approachability to La Tour Blanche’s wines that I welcome wholeheartedly.

The estate also makes a second Sauternes wine, the Le Charmilles de La Tour Blanche and even a third Sauternes wine, called the Brumes de La Tour Blanche. These two other Sauternes (especially the Brumes) are much lighter in style and very approachable for those who prefer off-dry, lighter styled wines. But the winery also makes two splendid classically dry white wines, the Les Jardins de La Tour Blanche (100% Sauvignon Blanc) and the Duo de La Tour Blanche (usually a 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc wine, but Muscadelle can find its way in here too, given that the objective with this wine was to highlight the potential of all three of the classic grapes of the Sauternais). Note that these two dry wines are Vins de Bordeaux or Bordeaux Blancs, and not Sauternes as is instead often mistakenly reported on websites and magazine articles everywhere (the Sauternes Appellation’s name, at least for now, can be used only for the zone’s famous sweet wines). Last but not least, the winery makes, as mentioned before, also a pink and a red wine from 100% Merlot, both of which are meant to be enjoyed early on in their lives (many of the wines once had different names, such as Jardins de Thinoy and Cru du Cinquet, in case you should come across older vintages). The wines are generally aged in either stainless steel or a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels, but such regimens are also applied differently based on the grape variety used: for example, while Sauvignon Blanc gets treated preferentially with stainless steel, the Semillon tends to be matured in oak.

The wines in this tasting

All the wines in this report were tasted in Shanghai in September 2023, save for the 2001, 1990, 1988 and 1975, sourced from my own personal cellar to make this tasting report more complete (wines bought in France upon release save for the 1975 bought in 1988 in Italy thanks to a wine merchant with a reputably good cold cellar). My thanks to the estate and Bert Van Dessel, the estate’s brand ambassador in Asia for making all the other vintages reported on in the tasting, with bottles sourced directly from the estate, available.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2019 Les Jardins de La Tour Blanche Sec Bordeaux                        90

Bright pale straw yellow. Archetypal Sauvignon Blanc aromas and flavours of green fig, gooseberry and kiwi, with bright lemony lift. Easygoing and fresh on the long close, but not at all unbearably green as far too many boring and to my palate fairly undrinkable world Sauvignon wines tend to be nowadays (mostly because the grapes are picked unripe in the name of freshness). This 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine is instead a beauty, with good juicy ripe fruit and very lively. Won’t make old bones, so drink up soon and enjoy. Drinking window: 2023-2025.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2018 Sauvignon Duo de La Tour Blanche Sec Vin de Bordeaux                          91

Luminous golden-tinged straw colour. Deep aromas of ripe citrus fruit, peach and a hint of beeswax speak of Semillon, with plenty of fresh lemony lift provided by the Sauvignon. Light on its feet but texturally interesting, the aftertaste is long, clean and flavourful. This is a real step up in concentration from Les Jardins, and will be able to stand up even to light white meat dishes. The Semillon here adds a complexity and size to the finished wine that would be completely missing if this was made with Sauvignon Blanc only. A blend of 65% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Drinking window: 2023-2027.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2019 Sauternes                    96

Now this is a gem. The 2019 Chateau La Tour Blanche is one of the best Sauternes of the vintage, offering a magical sugar/acid balance and deep aromas and flavours of tropical and ripe citrus fruit, saffron, honey and beeswax, complicated by notes of lemony botrytis. The clean, precise, rising finish is at once smooth yet penetrating and lasts for minutes. This beauty boasts sneaky concentration and complexity but is remarkably light on its feet and seems much less sweet than it really is. A great vintage for this estate, in a year that was marred by the presence of grey rot and fruit flies (and a hot dry summer with rain in late September and October), this is a gorgeous Sauternes that will match heavenly with raw shrimp, light pumpkin soups and pumpkin ravioli and chicken or veal filets with mushroom sauces. A blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle. Drinking window: 2023-2050.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2018 Sauternes            89

Medium straw-green with some gold. Discreet, even subdued aromas and flavours of orchard fruit, herbs and flint, but not much depth or complexity. The aftertaste hints at saffron and peach. By no means a bad wine, but this is probably the only disappointing wine in this tasting. I’m afraid there wasn’t getting around much the difficulties posed by the 2018 vintage (characterized by a much too hot summer, meaning there wasn’t much noble rot, plus episodes of hail and plenty of downy mildew). A blend of 83% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle that will age well but that won’t ever deliver a great Sauternes drinking experience. Drinking window: 2023-2033.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2017 Sauternes            94

A real work of art, the 2017 Chateau La Tour Blanche showcases an archetypically rich Sauternes in a glorious vintage. Medium deep golden yellow. Intense spicy botrytis complements opulent, showy peach, tangerine, mango, orange blossom, honey, crystallized ginger and saffron on the complex, multilayered nose. Then also multilayered and opulent in the mouth, with a suave rich texture and just enough acidity to carry and extend the flavours on the long rich finish without the wine ever becoming tiring or cloying. So good you can drink this already now, but it will prove even more complex if you let it rest another five to six years in your cellar. The 2017 vintage was characterized by late April frosts, uneven flowering, and noble rot developing late in the year  (something that tells you a little about the wines, provided you have an idea of wien the estate picked its grapes). A blend of 85% Semillon, 13% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. Drinking window: 2023-2042.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2016 Sauternes            95

One of the most underrated Sauternes vintages ever, the exact merits of the 2016 La Tour Blanche have gone unrecognized, and unfairly so; but mark my words, this is an exceptionally elegant, sneakily concentrated Sauternes that will appeal to those who prefer these wines in a less rich and mouthcoating style. Pale lemon-gold colour. Extremely refined, mineral-driven aromas of mango, guava and passion fruit complemented by hints of acacia flower honey, nutmeg, jasmine and ginger. Utterly seamless in the mouth, and boasting impeccable balance, this is long and pure, rich and pleasantly oily, featuring nicely lingering flavours of orchard and tropical fruit with hints of beeswax and nutmeg. A blend of 80% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Muscadelle that showcases just how well that high a percentage of Muscadelle, which is generally unheard of, can contribute to the making of magnificent Sauternes. Noble rot developed late in 2016, so those estates that picked too early made wines from mostly raisined grapes losing out on the added complexity that noble rot brings. Trust me, this beauty is in no way a lighter-styled Sauternes. Drinking window: 2023-2040.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2013 Sauternes            94

Bright golden-tinged yellow. Aromas and flavours of minerals, herbs, lime, jasmine and lemon verbena are lifted by hints of spicy botrytis. Long and layered in the mouth but less opulent than the 2016 and other La Tour Blanche wines, but very well balanced and pure. This is another La Tour Blanche marked by an inordinately high percentage of Muscadelle (the 2013 is a blend of 80% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Muscadelle), and far from being dilute or simple, it’s an exceptionally fine, highly satisfying wine. The lively, harmonious acidity leaves you with an impression of welcome steeliness. This and the 2016 are two of the most underrated La Tour Blanche wines ever. Readers should avoid making the mistake of thinking that 2013 was poor year for Bordeaux: it was, but for the region’s red wines, not so for the Sauternes that have mostly turned out very well indeed. Drinking window: 2023-2038.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2011 Sauternes            92

A throwback to the older style of La Tour Blanche, this is a much richer, sweeter and broader wine than any to have followed since then. Deep vivid golden straw yellow colour. Deep, thick, composite aromas of crystallized mango, saffron reduction, peach jelly, orange nectar and caramel. Then rich, ripe and lusciously mouthcoating, with very nice delineation to the ripe rich flavours of tropical fruit, sweet spices and musk. Not the most nuanced La Tour Blanche ever made, but rather light on its feet for such a big wine, the aftertaste is only medium-long but will leave you not wanting to let go of your glass until its emptied. It’s a gorgeous wine and one that sweet wine lovers, and lovers of Sauternes in general, can’t help but fall in love with, but those who prefer nuanced wines will like the other vintages of La Tour Blanche described in this tasting report more. A blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle. Drinking window: 2023-2035.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2009 Sauternes            97

An amazing wine ever since it was first presented at the Primeurs, the 2009 Chateau La Tour Blanche is a La Tour Blanche I know extremely well having tasted it not just back then but countless other times over the years. It has never been short of exceptional, and it still is so today. A very big, sweet and luscious wine (as it ought to be, given the characteristics of the 2009 vintage’s wines and of La Tour Blanche back then) it separates itself from all other similarly big Sauternes because of an amazing amount of lift and precision.

Deep vibrant yellow gold colour. Captivating aromas and flavours of almond paste, custard cream, tropical fruit nectar, glazed pineapple, crystallized apricot and ginger are extremely well delineated, pure and long. Copious amounts of marmelady botrytis add a whole other level of complexity here that is simply not found in any other wine made at La Tour Blanche since the late 1980s. Closes very long with a whiplash of welcome harmonious acidity that helps make this even more enticing than it already is. A blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle. Drinking window: 2023-2035.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2008 Sauternes            94

Pale golden-tinged yellow. Nectarine, white peach tea, sweet spices and oak-related scents of vanilla and nuts on the very refined deep nose. Rather silky in texture, with a glyceral softness and a hint of banana complementing the nicely cut and clear flavours of lemon verbena, ginger and pear. Boasts noteworthy sugar/acid balance with an attractive plumpness rising slowly on the long, elegant back end. This reminded me of what an ideal crossing of the La Tour Blanche 2009 and 2016 would taste like. Make no mistake about it, this is heavily underrated Sauternes that is drinking beautifully now and that will pair very well with even complex white meat dishes like roast fowl with mushrooms, or try it with Thanksgiving turkey and yams. A blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle. Springtime frost, plus bouts of downy mildew greatly reduced the 2008 crop, but what grapes were left made excellent Sauternes, as the 2008 La Tur Blanche clearly shows. Drinking window: 2023-2040.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2001 Sauternes            95

Deep yellow-gold. Knockout nose offers orchard fruits, glazed pineapple, papaya, marzipan and nutmeg. Very rich, ripe and oily, with a glyceral texture and sweetness that leave an impression of girth behind. But the wine is evolving beautifully, now showing greater grace and refinement than when it was first released, with delicious nuances of white chocolate and toffee building on the caramelized-apricot core of flavours, nicely framed and lifted by smoky botrytis that further accentuates the fruit. Wonderfully concentrated wine with a very long, sweet, palate-staining finish. Drinking window: 2023-2035.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 1990 Sauternes            94

Full yellow-gold. Orange peel, peach nectar and spicy oak on the nose, with obvious undertones of marzipan and toffee. Sweet, suave and very glyceral, with seamless, complex flavours of ginger tea, grilled yellow peach, lime, coconut and crystallized mango. Still wonderfully fat and sweet after all these years (the 1990 was always a richer-styled La Tour Blanche) but with a lively core of minerally fruit that actually helps this come across as less full-bodied and rich than the 1988 (usually, with most Sauternes, it’s the other way around). Fully evolved and currently offering a rich drinking experience, I wouldn’t hold on to this much longer. Drinking window: 2023-2030.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 1988 Sauternes     94 

Medium yellow-gold. Deeply pitched aromas of honey, orange and dried apricot are complicated by lemony botrytis and by suggestions of spicy oak. Rich, sweet and wonderfully pure, with a nectar-like quality to its extremely flavourful decadently ripe peach, orange marmalade, nutmeg and cinnamon nuances. This boasts an exhilarating chewy texture and superb aromatic persistence and finishes long with plenty of repeating botrytis character. Drinking window: 2023-2033.

Chateau La Tour Blanche 1975 Sauternes            93

Vibrant burnished golden-yellow colour. Spicy, linear aromas of pineapple, nutmeg and ginger, with a complicating smoky botrytis and a caramelly nuance. Then not overly concentrated but nicely detailed pineapple, apricot and candied citrus flavours have a penetrating quality and surprising juiciness for a wine this old.  Almost painfully spicy, leaving a somewhat aggressive character on the long, complex, smoky finish. But even after almost fifty years, this is still light on its feet and youthful. Drinking window: 2023-2028.

Ian D'Agata

伊安·达加塔在葡萄酒领域耕耘超过30年，在葡萄酒品评、葡萄酒科研写作和葡萄酒教育等方面，都取得了杰出的成果，在葡萄酒行业和葡萄酒爱好者中，享有世界性声望。作为享誉国际的葡萄酒作家，他最近的两本著作 《意大利原生葡萄品种》 和 《意大利原生葡萄品种风土》 被公认为意大利葡萄酒领域的权威著作；前者荣获2015年Louis Roederer国际葡萄酒作家大奖赛“年度最佳书籍奖”，他是唯一获此殊荣的意大利葡萄酒作家，并入选《洛杉矶时报》、《金融时报》、《纽约时报》评选的“年度葡萄酒书籍”榜单；后者被《纽约时报》和美国的Food & Wine杂志提名为年度最佳葡萄酒书籍。

Ian D’Agata has been writing and educating about wines for over thirty years. Internationally recognized as an distinguished expert, critic and writer on many wine regions, his two most recent, award winning books Native Wine Grapes of Italy and Italy's Native Wine Grape Terroirs (both published by University of California Press) are widely viewed as the "state of the art" textbooks on the subject. The former book won the Louis Roederer International Wine Awards Book of the Year in 2015 and was ranked as the top wine books of the year for the Los Angeles Times, the Financial Times and the New York Times, while the latter was named among the best wine books of the year by Food & Wine Magazine and the NY Times.[:]

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Château la Tour Blanche

A brief history.

Château La Tour Blanche 1er Grand Cru Classé de Sauternes en 1855 France 33210

www.tour-blanche.com

[email protected]

+33557980273

Château la Tour Blanche Wines

Featured wines.

Château La Tour Blanche

Premier grand cru classé en 1855.

This wine is the result of a very strict selection. Due to a unique know-how it combines the expression of a great terroir and the best of the noble rot. The style of Château La Tour Blanche’s wines is characterized by a superb balance between richness and freshness, and a great aromatic complexity. In accordance with Chateau La Tour Blanche’s policy of quality, some vintages (although certified passable) are not bottled. This was the case for the 1992, 1993 and 2000 vintages.

The hue has a deep gold colour with amber tints. On the nose there are some dried fruits aromas such as raisins and dried fig. There are also some straw and hay notes. In the mouth the attack is supple on a nice balance and a good volume with gingerbread notes. Aromas of caramel and baked apple complete the aromatic range of this vintage. The final reveals smoky taste and candied fruits aromas with a very light mineral character and crème brulée notes.

Golden yellow colour with amber tints and a nice brilliance. The nose is fine and elegant with Muscat grape and candied citrus aromas. There are also some notes such as mint and cinnamon. In mouth the attack is soft and quite rich. The aromas are dominated by candied fruits and the volume in mouth is important. The finish is quite long and persistent on spicy and smoky notes.

This wine has a golden, lightly amber colour. The nose reveals fresh aromas of fruits. We can find notes of rhubarb and apricot. In the mouth the attack is full and supple with intense fruity tastes. Floral notes and caramel complete the range of aromas. A nice acidity give this wine a high aromatic persistency. Mineral notes on the finish.

Lovely colour with amber tints. The first nose offers fresh notes of citrus and mineral. After aeration some complex notes of undergrowth and cigar box appear. The pleasant mouth has a well-melted but still present sweetness, and let perceive some citrus, candied fruits and smoky aromas. The final shows a great persistency and ends on tobacco leaf and citrus peels notes.

Vintage not produced.

Beautiful old gold colour. The smell spontaneously offers scents marked by the saffron. After aeration the bouquet becomes more complex and reveals candied fruits aromas. The wine is pleasant in the mouth with a still present sweetness and surprising notes of mild spices and dry fruits. The final comes with quince jelly aromas and ends on light smoky notes, very typical of the old vintages of the property.

Lovely amber colour. Scents of raisin, gingerbread and white pepper aromas. Unctuous structure in the mouth with complex notes of mild spices such as saffron. Good harmony between candied fruits, citrus and spices aromas. The final is pleasant with notes of citrus peels making the aftertaste longer and bringing a nice touch of freshness.

Golden yellow colour with amber tints. The nose reveals aromas of fresh quince, candied fruits, raisins and prune. Aeration shows minty and mineral notes as well as the characteristic smoky taste of our wines when they get older. In mouth the attack is supple and unctuous highlighting the ‘roasted’ character of the botrytized grapes, the aromas of candied fruits, fresh quince and prune, as well as a minty freshness. The finish is marked by smoky, grilled and mineral notes and mild spices.

Beautiful golden colour. On the nose a very pleasant aromatic intensity reveals very fruity notes. After aeration the aromas are very concentrated. In the mouth the attack is supple and full. The fruity character is massive with richness and volume. It has a silky touch with notes of candied fruits, caramel and crème brulée. The finish is long and persistent on white flowers aromas as well as notes of gingerbread and dried fruits such as fig and date.

The colour is straw yellow. The nose reveals loads of fresh fruits, such as apricot or peach, but also beeswax and cinnamon. In mouth the attack is very supple with much fullness and roundness. Great aromatic complexity dominated by candied fruits is present. The final is spicy, developing to honeysweetened savours.

Golden yellow colour with amber tints. The flavours found on the nose are very fresh with notes of mint, rhubarb, cinnamon and dried fruits such as apricot. In mouth the attack offers a nice structure, supple and fresh. There is a nice balance and a good volume. It goes on with candied fruits aromas like raisin and prune. The delicate sensation of freshness subtly evolve to a light touch of bitterness reminding orange peel or marmalade. Big finish with a good length.

The colour is golden yellow, with golden tints. On the nose aromas of fresh fruits are revealed with a great intensity, as well as mint and a light smoky character. After a rich, supple attack with a good volume, loads of tropical fruits aromas appear in mouth like pineapple and guava. A nice balance and a good length give this wine a great complexity and a lot of finesse.

The colour is golden yellow, bright gold. Loads of candied fruits are found on the nose. Twirling reveals citrus, apricot, but also vanilla and mint. The exotic fruits aromas bring freshness. In the mouth the round, supple and generous attack makes this wine very delicate and full-bodied. Beautiful balance of richness, acidity and matter. The candied and fresh fruits give a good aromatic persistency.

This vintage has a golden colour, bright gold. Fresh on the nose, thanks to some mint hints and exotic fruits. This wine has also flowers, citrus and brioche aromas. The attack is unctuous, rich, round, fat. The aromas are more on the candied fruits, with apricot, fig and raisins. We find a hint of wood in a superb final.

The colour is golden yellow, pale gold. The nose reveals Virginia tobacco and exotic fruits with hints of Muscat and guava. The attack in mouth is round, delicate. It is fresh, exotic, with a good volume and an exceptional length.

Golden yellow in colour. The nose reveals fruits and flowers hints. Acacia, linden and mint are detected after aeration. In the mouth the attack is full and supple with exotic fruits as ripe pineapple or apricot. We find grain, relief with white flowers aromas on a nice acidity. The final is fresh and long, and finishes with toasted bread and candied fruits notes.

Golden yellow colour. Nose of exotic fruits (passion fruits, mango) and candied fruits with a hint of Muscat grape aroma. The attack is elegant, supple, round and on the fruit. Very exotic with freshness and vivacity. Rich and nervous finish.

Clear yellow colour, limpid and brilliant. Nose reveals nice touches of vanilla and toasted flavour including, after aeration some notes of Muscat grape, flowers (linden, acacia) and spices (ginger). Very pleasant in mouth with richness, volume and nervousness. In the middle-mouth this nice balance leads to candied citrus and dried apricot aromas as well as notes of grilled nuts, smoke, with a spicy final. 2007 is one of the greatest years of Sauternes.

Golden yellow colour with a lot of brilliance and limpidity. Vanilla and candied lemon aromas are found on the nose as well as hints of mint. After twirling, some spices such as cinnamon are present, evolving to hints of toasted bread. Very nice attack on the mouth, rich and unctuous, with a lemony and minty freshness. Hints of toasted bread again with dried apricot, a traditional fruit aroma in the Sauternes wines. Great aromatic persistency and spicy finish.

The nose shows citrus, exotic fruits and toasted bread aromas. After twirling, dried fruits like apricot are revealed as well as some notes of fresh mint and exotic fruits (guava and pineapple). The mouth is full, smooth and fruity, with a nice balance between alcohol, sugar and acidity. The freshness on the palate highlights the fresh and candied fruits aromas and the vanilla flavour in the final.

Nice golden colour. The bouquet takes us directly to a journey through vanilla and flowers fragrances. But we really feel the greatness of this vintage in the mouth. The palate reveals a rich, full and unctuous wine with a remarkable lightness. Delicious notes of vanilla, candied lemon and fruit paste are detected.

Straw-yellow colour with golden tints. On the first nose subtle notes of vanilla and grilled notes appear. After twirling, more complex notes of smoke and very ripe fruits are revealed. In mouth the structure of the wine is remarkable. It is rich, unctuous, silky and offers loads of aromas such as yellow fruits (apricot, pineapple…) and mild spices like vanilla and cinnamon. A real treat for taste buds.

Nice straw yellow hue with green tints. The smell reveals fruity notes of muscat grape and rose. In the mouth the wine is full-bodied and unctuous and has muscat berry and crystallized fruit aromas. Very tasty finish with candied fruits aromas and fine vanilla notes.

Nice straw yellow hue. After aeration the smell reveals light notes of chamomile and pear. On the palate the wine shows subtle candied notes, of apricot compote and vanilla. It is full, unctuous and remarkably balanced, finishing on a long and fresh aftertaste.

Open and expressive nose. It reveals tasty notes of yellow fruits and citrus. In mouth the wine is rich, unctuous with a lot of vivacity, almost acidulous. The citrusy taste (orange, lemon, bergamot) gives an incredible relief to this vintage. The harmony found between fruits, freshness and sweetness let appreciate a subtle and elegant balance.

The nose reveals subtle notes of vanilla melted with aromas of dry fruits (grilled hazelnut) and stone fruits (apricot, mango). The mouth is very pleasant by its unctuousness and its immediate softness and shows a varied range of aromas (apricot, guava, pineapple, pomelo) which brings fruitiness and freshness. The tone is set! This wine has the qualities of an outstanding vintage in which coexist complexity, flavor, freshness and elegance.

The golden robe of the 2016 vintage reminds the brightness of the summer days and the following back season. The nose opens up on subtle notes of toasted bread and nuts. After aeration it becomes more complex with fresh notes of citrus and yellow fruits. The attack in mouth is generous and evolves on delicate and tasty notes of dried apricots melted with citrus (candied lemon, mandarin). This freshness gives relief to the wine and extends its aromatic persistency to finish on notes of mild spices (cinnamon).

This wine displays a straw-yellow hue with silvery tints. The nose opens out with rich notes of Bourbon vanilla and guava. Citrus aromas combined with delicate toasty notes develop after a few swirls of the glass. The palate is fat, broad, silky and unctuous with a fresh, elegant structure underpinned by citrus fruit. The combination of an attractive nose, succulent palate and fresh finish are what makes the 2017 such a remarkable vintage.

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Château La Tour Blanche 2018, Sauternes 1° Grand Cru Classé - Parker 92-94

Pale to medium lemon-gold colored, the 2018 la Tour Blanche is a little reticent to begin, opening out to notes of honeydew melon, nectarines and baked apples with touches of lightly browned toast, allspice and powdered ginger. The palate features loads of zip and zing with bags of freshness to counter the rich fruit, finishing on a lingering gingery note.

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• Product Details

Pale to medium lemon-gold colored, the 2018 la Tour Blanche is a little reticent to begin, opening out to notes of honeydew melon, nectarines and baked apples with touches of lightly browned toast, allspice and powdered ginger. The palate features loads of zip and zing with bags of freshness to counter the rich fruit, finishing on a lingering gingery note. robertparker.com

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Château La Tour Blanche to Bommes

Languages spoken.

Certified Organic in 2023, Château La Tour Blanche is a 46-hectare estate founded in the 17th century. Its last private owner, Daniel “Osiris” IFFLA, donated it to the French state to create a free viticulture and oenology school. For a unique experience, climb aboard our golfette (during the season) and set off to discover the belvedere perched 3.60 metres high. This is an exceptional viewpoint over the appellation, where you can appreciate the relief of our terroir. Finish your visit with a tasting session you’ll remember for a long time to come!

• Pets allowed
• Accessible to people with reduced mobility

Opening dates and times

Du lundi au vendredi sans rendez-vous, de 9h à 12h et de 14h à 17h30. De juin à octobre, 7j/7 de 10h à 18H (dernière visite à 17h).

Facilities and services

• Accessible by pushchair
• Delivery possible
• Drive/Takeaway
• Internet access
• Meeting room(s)
• Online shop
• Overhead projector
• Parking autocar
• Picnic area
• Video projector

Price list 2024

• Visite-dégustation Découverte from 15€
• Visite-dégustation Visites gourmandes From 21€ to 35€
• Visite-dégustation Verticale 3 millésimes from 27€
• Visite-dégustation Visite de Sauternes en calèche From 35€ to 45€
• Visite-dégustation Visite et déjeuner au château From 35€ to 50€
• Visite-dégustation Vino challenge from 35€

Payment methods accepted

• Bank transfer
• Payment cards

Contact details

• Château La Tour Blanche 33210 BOMMES
• +33 5 57 98 02 73
• [email protected]

Château La Tour Blanche Sauternes (Premier Grand Cru Classé)

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Château La Tour Blanche, Sauternes, 1er Cru Classé, 2021

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The hike of Dents Blanches circle trail

The Stages of Dents Blanches tour

Find below the interactive Tour map. Simply click on a hut or a stage for additional information:

Elevation change profile on the Tour des Dents Blanches (Starting point: Barme, Switzerland):

Useful Information

Distance : 44,4km total positive elevation change : 4200m total negative elevation change : 4200m Difficulty : T4 Length of the tour : We recommend either doing the tour in 3 days (fast tour) or in 5 days (large tour). More information about the 3 and 5 days tours on our package pages . Sense of turn : It is advisable to go around clockwise in order to climb the the ladders of the pass of the Ottans (going up is easier than going down) .

The yellow itinerary on the interactive map is a variant that is less alpine (it avoids the pas au Taureau).

Schematic representation of the route with alternative routes and walking times estimation (times are counted for a clockwise walk):

Details about the stages (from hut to hut)

Barme – Bonaveau

Bonaveau – Susanfe

Susanfe – Vogealle

Vogealle – Folly

Folly – Bostan

Bostan – Golèse

Golèse – Chardonnière

Chardonnière – Barme

#tourdesdentsblanches, search on the website.

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