Les Forts de Latour is far more than just a second wine—it is a Pauillac powerhouse that rivals many classified growths in its own right. While crafted as a more approachable counterpart to Château Latour, it still carries the estate’s signature strength, structure, and aging potential. Named after an old fortified tower that once stood on the estate, Les Forts de Latour is a commanding wine that reflects the same uncompromising philosophy that defines its First Growth sibling.
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, typically around 60-75%, with Merlot playing a more prominent role than in the Grand Vin, adding softness and accessibility. Small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blend, contributing complexity and spice. While the fruit for Les Forts de Latour comes from parcels outside of the famed Enclos vineyard, it still benefits from Latour’s exceptional terroir, where gravelly soils over a deep clay subsoil provide both power and precision.
On the nose, Les Forts de Latour exudes classic Pauillac aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, and graphite, intertwined with notes of cedar, tobacco, and dark chocolate. Compared to Château Latour, the aromatics are slightly more open in youth, with hints of plum, violets, and sweet spice adding an inviting dimension.
The palate is full-bodied and deeply structured, with firm yet approachable tannins that give the wine its characteristic backbone. The fruit is rich and intense, but beautifully balanced by fresh acidity and an unmistakable minerality that echoes Latour’s deep gravel terroir. Flavors of ripe black fruits, espresso, and crushed stones unfold slowly, leading to a long, finely textured finish with notes of leather, earth, and spice.
While Les Forts de Latour is designed to be more accessible at an earlier stage than the Grand Vin, it still possesses significant aging potential, often maturing gracefully for 20 to 30 years in great vintages. It retains the DNA of Château Latour, but with a slightly softer, more polished texture, making it a remarkable choice for those who seek the power of Latour with a shorter wait.
In many ways, Les Forts de Latour is not simply a second wine—it is its own entity, capable of standing among Pauillac’s finest. It is a testament to Latour’s unwavering commitment to excellence, proving that even in its second wine, there is no compromise on quality.
