The 2015 Les Forts de Latour has a lovely nose, with very pure black cherry, raspberry, violet and light cassis scents unfolding with every swirl. The palate is medium-bodied with plush tannins and a velvety smooth texture but the acidity keeps this poised. It has impressive precision and judicious spiciness on the finish. This is a sophisticated and enticing Pauillac. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners.

Dark-fruited and initially slightly muted, with a whiff volatility. Some incredible lifted, perfumed notes of violets and damsons. Wonderful richness of dark fruit and a really lovely freshness, which still retains tension and power on the palate. Great integration of fine tannin and lovely length. Wonderful.

The true second wine of the estate is the 2015 Les Forts De Latour and it's slightly more Cabernet dominated with 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, and then less than one percent each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. This ripe, sunny vintage delivered loads of terrific wines and the 2015 reveals a vivid purple/opaque color as well as fabulous cassis and jammy currant fruits intermixed with lots of cedarwood, leafy herbs, earth, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and nicely structured, it has a wealth of fruit, building yet sweet tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. This is a stunning Les Forts de Latour that can be drunk today or cellared for 20-25 years or more.

Very fruity and lifted with bright and floral aromas and flavors. Full and velvety. Gorgeous finish. Very pure and focused. Pretty Les Forts.

Charm and precision, slate scrape texture, finely boned tannins that disguise a punch through the mid palate, an enjoyable Les Forts that is ready to go. Good quality, not the intensity of the 2016, but keeps the concentrated cassis and cocoa bean signature that makes this such a brilliant wine. Hélène Genin technical director.

Some call Les Forts the second wine of Latour but in truth it is far more than that – it is a terroir-specific wine with dedicated vineyards and quality to rival most grands vins. Very dense, tight, closed on the nose. Vigorous swirling releases some fine blackcurrant notes. Lovely supple texture, still structured, but with seamless style. Quite voluptuous in style, pretty rather than powerful, with ripe blackcurrant, touch of mint and black tea, and a bright, vibrant finish. (63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot.)

They are picking these grapes earlier nowadays.
Dark crimson. Very sumptuous nose. Massive sweetness on the front palate and then Pauillac stoniness. A real charmer. Lots of vigour and punch. Complete and very dry. Needs lots of time.
Drink 2025-2040