Forts de Latour (2nd wine of Ch Latour) 2006

Pauillac, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice, minerals, tobacco and iron on the complex nose. The wine's sweetness almost comes as a shock, but the creamy blueberry and blackberry fruit flavors are given lift and clarity by firm acidity and solid underlying minerality. Finishes with sweet tannins and subtle persistence. An unusually accessible young Forts de Latour, and riper than it appeared to be in the early going: as I recall, its supple character is partly attributable to the fact that it includes a good bit of declassified Latour merlot but less Latour press wine than usual.

Score: 91

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2009

The brilliant second wine, the 2006 Les Forts de Latour, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, possesses a dense ruby/purple color, a beautiful bouquet of asphalt, cassis, cedar, truffles, and earth, and a full-bodied, dense, beautiful style that is similar to a 1996 Pauillac. It will age effortlessly for 15 years.

Score: 92

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 March 2009

Latour’s second wine, the 2006 Les Forts de Latour, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, does not possess the depth of its bigger sibling. Nevertheless, it offers sweet, ripe berry fruit, crushed rock, smoke, and earth characteristics along with good precision and savoriness. It should drink nicely for 15-20 years.

Score: 90 - 92

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2007

Tasted at Latour. To be honest, I was a little nonplussed by this normally excelling Second label. The nose is closed at first, before rigorous swirling reveals cedar, blackberry and raspberry with a touch of cassis. The palate has an unusually soft mouth feel, making it much more approachable than other vintages. More puppy fat than I expected. Good length, this Forts de Latour just lacks the breeding I have come to expect. Tasted April 2007.

Score: 88 - 90

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 19 April 2007

Very solid, with an excellent core of fruit and chewy tannins, but not too aggressive. Full body. Medium finish. Well done.

Score: 89 - 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2007

Described by director Frédéric Engerer as the little sister of the big brother. Rain diluted the Forts vineyards more than the Enclos because the drainage is not as good. Engerer feels there is something slightly lacking on the finish and for the first time it really is a ‘second wine’. They might even reblend it as it is quite light and add more press wine (currently 8% press wine in the blend). I wonder whether it’s the newer parcels or the vintage that has reduced the impact of this wine? Mid crimson with a slightly weak rim. Very spicy nose with some real richness. Great life and lift and zest. Lots of energy. Not massively weighty. Tight and very fine tannins. Somehow it gives the impression of alcohol even though it’s only 13.25%. Very fine, not too chunky. Quite unusually delicate and fine. Very focussed! Very harmonious but much less galumphing than usual.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2012-2022 01 April 2007

70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The second label of Chateau Latour but made from a separate vineyard plot containing old vines as well as deselected vats of Latour. Quite a bit of Merlot that usually goes into the Grand Vin has been set aside this year for Les Forts and so for the first time, the quantity of Forts (47% of the crop) will exceed Latour - good news as it is always in strong demand en primeur. Open and generous on the nose with very attractive forest fruits and vanilla spice. Medium-bodied with sweet crème de cassis fruit, hints of minerals and appealing texture. Very charming and pure albeit lighter than usual.

Score: 90 - 92

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2007