In the glass
Aroma: black currants, cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, mineral earth
Palate: dark plum, blackberry, graphite, iron, subtle spice
Second wine of Latour from peripheral L'Enclos plots and younger vines, with a higher Merlot proportion than the grand vin. Retains Latour's mineral iron signature at a fraction of the price.
What it pairs with
-
Rack of lamb with Bordelaise sauce
Classic Left Bank pairing; the wine's firm tannins and cassis core partner with lamb's sweetness and the sauce's bone marrow richness. -
Grilled ribeye with roasted garlic
Muscle-driven tannins from Cabernet cut the fat of a well-marbled ribeye; garlic's mellow sweetness after roasting bridges the fruit. -
Venison with red wine reduction
Game's iron-tinged flavour aligns with Les Forts' characteristic mineral and tobacco notes.
How to serve Les Forts de Latour
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Rack of lamb with Bordelaise sauce, Grilled ribeye with roasted garlic, Venison with red wine reduction. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Les Forts de Latour was created in 1966 to use fruit from peripheral parcels and younger vines, while maintaining the same rigorous winemaking standards as the grand vin. Named after the medieval forts (fortified farmhouses) that historically guarded Pauillac's northern border. Aged with the same care as the grand vin but with fewer new barrels.
- 1966 — First vintage of Les Forts de Latour produced
- 2012 — Like the grand vin, now released at producer's chosen maturity rather than en primeur
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Latour
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
- Classification
- Pauillac AOC
- Oak
- 18 months in 50-60% new French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- $120-200 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8-30 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1966
Scores
- Wine Advocate 96 (2016 vintage, reviewed 2023)
- Wine Advocate 94 (2015 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Les Forts de Latour
What does Les Forts de Latour taste like?
On the nose, black currants, cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, mineral earth. On the palate, dark plum, blackberry, graphite, iron, subtle spice. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, structured finish. Second wine of Latour from peripheral L'Enclos plots and younger vines, with a higher Merlot proportion than the grand vin. Retains Latour's mineral iron signature at a fraction of the price.
When should I drink Les Forts de Latour?
Drink 8-30 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Les Forts de Latour?
Rack of lamb with Bordelaise sauce is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled ribeye with roasted garlic and Venison with red wine reduction. Classic Left Bank pairing; the wine's firm tannins and cassis core partner with lamb's sweetness and the sauce's bone marrow richness.
What grapes are in Les Forts de Latour?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. The wine is classified as Pauillac AOC.