Les Forts de Latour 2013

The second wine, the 2013 Les Forts de Latour, is a blend of 62.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.1% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Approximately 44.5% of the production made it into this wine. Easygoing and supple, it reveals cedary, tobacco leaf notes intermixed with notions of black currants and fresh walnuts. It possesses a Pauillac-like character, but it is neither deep nor long. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.

Medium to deep garnet with a slight, remaining hint of purple, the 2013 Les Forts de Latour (a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot) gives up earthy notions of mossy bark, underbrush and fertile loam with a core of warm red and black currants, dried mulberries and mincemeat pie, plus hints of potpourri and dried bay leaves. Medium-bodied, it delivers a lot of earthy/savory freshness with mineral nuances lifting the muscular red fruit core, finishing long and fragrant.

Dark red cherries, plums, smoke and tobacco meld together gracefully in the 2013 Les Forts de Latour. Layered, supple and caressing on the palate, this is one of the juicier 2013s readers will come across. With its expressive floral and spiced notes, the soft, resonant finish is especially appealing. The blend is 62.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.1% Merlot and 2.2% Petit Verdot.