The estate was acquired in 1670 by the Segur family who ran it for almost 300 years. There was originally no grand château because the family already owned fine houses and felt no need to build another, but in the mid-19th century the present château was built. Latour's iconic fortress-like tower was constructed in the 17th century (as a pigeon coup). In 1994, Latour was bought by the business tycoon and wine connoisseur Francois Pinault, under whom it has become an impeccable and classic model of excellence.
Latour's gravelly vineyards comprise 78 hectares, 47 of which (known as L'Enclos) surround the château and are used for the main wine itself. The second wine is Les Forts de Latour, which is made from the same vines each vintage; third in the pecking order is the generic Pauillac de Latour made from young vines.
