The estate’s second wine continues to go from strength to strength. The 2004 Forts de Latour (includes 75% Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals a deep ruby/purple hue, classic evolved cedary, lead pencil, and cassis characteristics, medium body, beautiful sweetness of fruit, and a more forward, evolved character than its big sibling. Enjoy it over the next 15+ years. Also tasted: 2004 Pauillac (87; $38.00)
Currants galore with hints of minerals. Full-bodied, with a solid core of silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very fine indeed. Almost 92-94
Deep garnet colored, the 2004 is intensely perfumed of warm blackcurrant, pencil lead, black olives and a hint of dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate is drinking nicely now with a firm structure balanced by plenty of mid-palate flesh and finishing long.
Purplish crimson. Creamy nose and lots of Cabernet influence. Some spice. Quite aromatic with lots of ripe fruit on the front palate. Bright fruit., Good energy. Lots of vibration. Interesting to taste a second wine which is made with such ambition (extremely rare in 2004 though also evident at Ch Margaux]. Some almond paste on the nose - good round lovely hit on the palate. Quite compact. Very defined. Certainly the best second wine in the northern Médoc. Drink 2015-27.
A brilliant effort, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Les Forts de la Tour exhibits aromas of lead pencil shavings, cedar, sweet black cherries, and currants. It possesses elegance, freshness, and beautiful texture as well as length. Drink this beauty between 2008-2025.
Latour’s second wine, the 2004 Les Forts de Latour, is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot that represents 41% of the production. Medium to full-bodied with good density, it is the finest second wine I tasted. It exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of black currant and cherry fruit, and fine length. It should drink well for 15+ years.