The latest rendition of a long-running, high-production Latour hit, their 2006 Montagny 1er Cru displays honeysuckle, pear, and apricot in the nose; a luscious, polished palate generous in its ripe fruit and backed by chalky, stony mineral suggestions; and an impressively layered finish. This excellent value has generally shown considerable resilience, and should keep nicely for 4-6 years. Louis-Fabrice Latour and oenologue Jean-Charles Thomas presented a 2006 collection that displayed the opulent richness that one would anticipate from such a ripe vintage, and from the Latour house style. Sometimes these wines want a bit for clarity, definition and distinctiveness – occasionally they are rather obviously marked by dairy flavors from their malolactic conversion – but the best of them have much to offer. Since I did not have opportunity to include in my issue 179 report notes on the Chablis bottlings of Simmonet-Febvre – a domaine Latour purchased in 2003 (and which also bottles some lovely sparkling wines) – I have made note of them here.Louis Latour has numerous importers throughout the U.S.

Elegant, ripe fruit is on display, the peach flavors suffused with spice and citrus. The wine has an open generosity, edged with apple skin tannins, and finished with cream and caramel. Drink now. Imported by Louis Latour Inc. Editors’ Choice.——R.V.(10/1/2009)—— 89