Press review

Parker # 122 (4/1/1999) : 90 Maturity: -2018

The dense ruby/purple-colored 1996 Les Forts de Latour is exceedingly tannic, with cassis and mushroom-like notes in the aromatics. This full-bodied wine is impressively constituted and one of the finest Forts de Latours of the last two decades.

Wine Spectator (1/31/1999) : 88

Very fine indeed. A perfumed wine with blackberry and mineral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins that are polished and fine. Long on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Second label of Château Latour.

The property in brief

The second wine of Château Latour is one of the best second wines. It is produced with the grapes from the young vines of the "Grand Enclos", which are less than 12 years old, from the grapes grown on three plots situated outside the "Grand Enclos", and, in addition, and depending on the quality of the vintage, certain vats of Grand Vin Château Latour may not, after numerous tastings, be up to the standards required. They may then be demoted to " Les Forts de Latour ". Since 1990, it is released "en primeur", like its " big brother ", Château Latour.