Chateau Latour - Pauillac 'Les Forts de Latour' 2015

First Growth Château Latour, a legendary estate in Pauillac, has long stood as a beacon of viticultural brilliance in the Left Bank's Médoc region. The estate's rich history is deeply intertwined with the local heritage, which is elegantly symbolized on the château's label featuring a solitary edifice. The iconic dovecote tower depicted on the label was erected on the property in the 1620s, paying homage to the 14th-century defensive tower, La Tour de Saint-Lambert, which once stood guard over the Gironde Estuary during the tumultuous Hundred Years’ War. 
The estate's lineage of success is nearly as old as its iconic tower, dating back to the 17th century under the ownership of the esteemed Ségur family. The Ségurs eventually came to possess three of Bordeaux's five First Growths, including Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Mouton-Rothschild. However, even before the 1855 Classification formally recognized these titles, Château Latour had already solidified its position among the region's elite, thanks to its powerful and distinctive wine style.

The meticulous winemaking process at Chateau Latour underpins its consistent quality improvement. Technical Director Frederic Engerer, in charge since 1995, has instituted a rigorous selection process, ensuring only the finest fruit from the best site is used. Grapes are vinified with precision, accounting for variety, parcel, and vine age. The grand vin matures in 100% new oak, while Les Forts de Latour ages in 50% new oak.

"The 2015 Les Forts de Latour is silky, perfumed and wonderfully nuanced from the very first taste. Crushed red berry, cedar, tobacco, mint and blood orange lend striking aromatic nuance. Ample and resonant in feel, yet with mid-weight structure, the 2015 is a total pleasure to taste today. All of the natural radiance of the warm year comes through in the wine's generous, inviting personality. Drink it over the next 15 years or so" - 94 Points, Vinous

"Composed of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.9% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Les Forts de Latour needs a fair bit of air to unlock a profound, powerhouse nose of blackcurrant cordial, boysenberries, plum preserves and dark chocolate, with suggestions of Chinese five spice, clove oil, violets and crushed rocks. The palate packs an absolute flavor wallop, bursting with rich, ripe black fruits and loads of spicy sparks, while framed by beautifully plush tannins, finishing long and minerally. Not at all heavy, on the contrary, the Les Forts is both expansive AND tantalizingly refreshing. In terms of evolution, it has barely budged since I last tasted it in 2017. While it's drinking very well right now, it easily has a good 20 years of cellaring ahead, maybe more. Impressive." - 94 Points, Wine Advocate

Producer: Château Latour

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Pauillac

Vintage: 2015

Size: 750ml