2017 Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux

Château Latour, one of the original Premier Cru estates from the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, has a rich history dating back to the 14th century when it was a fortified tower. It evolved into a renowned wine estate, with 78 hectares of vineyards primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Marquis de Ségur, dubbed "the Wine Prince" by Louis XV, significantly elevated its status. Owned by the Pinault family since 1993, Château Latour produces sought-after, complex wines known for their aging potential. They emphasize innovation, organic practices, and meticulous vineyard management, solidifying their prestigious global reputation. Why do we like it? In 1966, Château Latour introduced this 'second label' wine. Initially Les Forts was sourced from lesser vineyards but has become effectively a young-vine Latour. During the 1980s Chateau Latour, and its 'second wine', went from strength to strength and consolidated its position at the apex of Bordeaux. The 2017 is a truly wonderful wine with extremely pure cassis nose. A tight, dark and savoury intensity on the palate with graphite freshness. Very fine texture, with layers of subtle tannins building density, through with pure cassis scent. A lot of tobacco and pencil shaving quality, an incredible freshness and a very long finish, incredible! Grape            Cabernet Blends Country        France                                  Region          Bordeaux                                        Vintage         2017