2017 Chateau Latour Les Forts de Latour Pauillac

One of the most iconic names in wine is Chateau Latour. This estate is in a class of its own, even among the other four Bordeaux First Growths. It has been the most consistent of them all for over 100 years, producing wines of incredible depth, power, and longevity.

This is one of the oldest properties in the Pauillac appellation, its history goes back to the 14th Century when a fortress was erected there during the Hundred Year's War. Château Latour takes its name from the tower that resides on the property. The original tower was built during the Hundred Years' war, to defend the Garrone estuary. It fell in battle and has since been rebuilt in the same location to house the estate's pigeons. 

Les Forts de Latour is the second wine from Chateau Latour. Latour is one of the four original Grand Crus from the 1855 Classification. The special history of this estate in Pauillac mirrors the development of the region as a whole.

In great vintages, the power and energy of Château Latour's wines enable them to continue to develop for several decades with ease. The bouquet and impressions on tasting gradually evolve, becoming increasingly complex, ultimately reaching a peak, after which the tannins soften, and then the wine slowly declines. Beyond the pleasure of drinking them, these wines can produce powerful feelings and unforgettable moments. Château Latour is also known for having the ability to produce fine wines even in difficult years.

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.9% Petit Verdot.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Juicy and spicy with fresh tobacco, redcurrants and crushed stone character. Medium to full body. Medium velvety tannins and a delicious finish. Will age beautifully as well. ~95 James Suckling

Smells lovely, really aromatic, and shining out of the glass, forward and expressive with clarity and precision on the nose full of red fruit and floral scents. Sleek and crisp, this has energy and lifeforce, I love the shape and straightforwardness but it’s the texture that’s so captivating - slightly firm but dense, and chalky tannins give the bounce and cushioning on the palate while the fruit is lean and well-defined. So well worked, and feels careful, controlled, refined, and polished. Sophisticated and just so seamless. Extremely young right now, coiled and tense still, direct from start to finish, it needs to slow down and soften and relax. Lovely pure and perfumed red fruits raspberry and blueberries alongside a slightly sharp, bitter grapefruit edge to the tannins as well as graphite and slate which lingers on the tongue and gives the mighty grip that doesn't let go. Stylish and enjoyable. 64 PIT, 6.7% press wine. 45.4% production. Harvest 11 September to 4 October. Technical director Hélène Genin. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. ~94 Decanter

This bold, structured wine is packed with blackberry fruits and ripe tannins. Freshness and structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon are very present, giving a crisp edge to the solid backbone. This is a wine for aging. Don't drink before 2023. ~94 Wine Enthusiast

Bright and fresh, featuring floral, cassis and plum aromas and flavors allied to a sleek, iron-tinged frame. Racy tension through the finish lets the fruit play out while the minerality blossoms. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2038. ~93 Wine Spectator

Aromas of minty berries, cassis and plums mingle with hints of pencil shavings to introduce the 2017 Les Forts de Latour, a medium to full-bodied, suave and elegant wine with attractive depth and purity of fruit, supple tannins and a bright, precise profile. This is a classy Les Forts that will offer a broad drinking window. As readers will remember, it mostly derives from dedicated parcels located further inland from Latour's famous "Enclos," next to Château Haut-Batailley- ~93 Wine Advocate

Showing consistently, the 2017 Les Forts De Latour has a classic cedar pencil, tobacco, and mineral-driven core that certainly has some textbook Château Latour style. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant, and balanced, it has fine tannins and outstanding length. It has closed down slightly since I tasted it on release and needs just 2-4 years of bottle age to hit its prime time. It will evolve for 20+ years. ~93 Jeb Dunnuck

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, subtle rim brightening. Subtle toasty aromas, dark cherries, subtle hints of liquorice, floral nuances, inviting bouquet. Medium-bodied, red cherries, fine acidity, cherries in the finish, well developed, delicately salty in the aftertaste, a finesse-rich food companion. ~ 93 Falstaff

The 2017 Les Forts de Latour conveys airiness on the nose, reflecting the relatively lightest vintage in recent years. Graphite and sous-bois infuse black fruit, offering a slightly welcome herbaceous/undergrowth tincture. The palate is very well-balanced and will appeal to those seeking a sleeker, lighter style of Pauillac. Not lean by any account, but this Les Fort de Latour is understated, with appealing black pepper and tobacco notes emerging on the finish. Fine. ~92 Vinous