{"title":"Les Forts De Latour","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"les-forts-de-latour-1994","title":"Les Forts De Latour 1994","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLes Forts De Latour 1994\u003c\/strong\u003e is the second wine of Château Latour, a Pauillac Bordeaux blend in a standard 750ml bottle from the 1994 vintage. Awarded 87 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate in December 1996, this bottling represents one of Pauillac's most respected second labels from a challenging yet rewarding Bordeaux vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vintage: 1994  |  Origin: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France  |  Classification: Second Wine of Château Latour (First Growth)  |  Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Latour holds Premier Grand Cru Classé status under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, making it one of only five First Growth estates on the Left Bank. Les Forts De Latour draws from younger vines on the estate and from 47 hectares of vineyards surrounding the Grand Enclos, as well as from vats not ultimately selected for the Grand Vin. This curation process means Les Forts benefits directly from the same terroir, winemaking rigor, and cellar expertise as its elder sibling, yet at an earlier drinking window and distinct flavor profile. Traditional Bordeaux vinification is employed, including fermentation and extended maceration before aging in oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with moderately intense walnut and sweet black currant, layered over a mineral-driven core. Subtle vanilla and earth notes emerge with time in the glass, adding complexity to the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate reveals dense, concentrated cassis fruit supported by firm tannins. The mid-palate expands into medium-to-full body territory, with mineral threads and dark berry flavors holding structure. At its peak, the wine shows admirable density and a tightly wound tannic backbone — characteristics Robert Parker described as \"formidably tannic\" and \"backward\" at the time of his 1996 review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is moderately long, marked by lingering tannins and a mineral-laced persistence. With over three decades of bottle age, those tannins have had significant time to integrate, potentially revealing a smoother, more resolved texture today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Les Forts De Latour 1994\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wine of this age and structure is best served at 16–18°C (60–64°F) and benefits from decanting 30 to 60 minutes before pouring to allow the mature aromas to unfold. Given its vintage, the 1994 is ideally enjoyed on its own or alongside classic Left Bank-friendly cuisine. Pair it with herb-crusted rack of lamb, where the wine's tannin and cassis depth complement the richness of the meat. Grilled rib-eye with a red wine reduction will mirror the wine's dark fruit core. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Gruyère provide a savory counterpoint to its mineral complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBordeaux collectors seeking mature Left Bank vintages ready to drink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine enthusiast with a meaningful birth-year or anniversary vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecial-occasion dinner pairing with classic French or refined red-meat dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring how a First Growth second wine evolves over three decades of cellar aging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Les Forts De Latour 1994 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e This Pauillac Bordeaux blend delivers concentrated black currant and cassis fruit, firm tannins, mineral undertones, and touches of walnut and vanilla. With over 30 years of bottle age, the originally formidable tannins may have softened into a more integrated, mature profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Les Forts De Latour compare to Carruades de Lafite?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are second wines of Pauillac First Growths — Les Forts from Château Latour, Carruades from Château Lafite Rothschild. Les Forts De Latour is generally considered more structured and tannic, reflecting Latour's characteristically powerful Pauillac style, while Carruades tends toward a more elegant and approachable profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Les Forts De Latour 1994 good for cellaring?\u003c\/strong\u003e At over 30 years old, this wine has already undergone extensive aging and is likely at or past its peak drinking window. It is best suited for near-term consumption after careful storage verification rather than additional long-term cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Les Forts De Latour made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Les Forts De Latour is produced at Château Latour in the Pauillac appellation on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, France. The estate sits along the Gironde estuary, where deep gravel soils and maritime climate produce some of the world's most age-worthy red wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Les Forts De Latour 1994?\u003c\/strong\u003e Herb-crusted rack of lamb complements the wine's cassis and mineral character. Braised short ribs work well with the wine's tannic structure and dark fruit. Duck confit with a berry reduction echoes the ripe fruit notes. Aged Comté or Gruyère provides a savory, nutty counterpart. Mushroom risotto aligns with the earthy, evolved qualities of a mature Bordeaux.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Les Forts De Latour come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is 750ml, though certain vintages of Les Forts De Latour have been released in magnums (1.5L) and half-bottles (375ml) depending on availability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Les Forts De Latour 1994 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Les Forts De Latour positions as a premium second wine backed by First Growth pedigree, and the 1994 vintage — while not considered among Bordeaux's greatest years — earned a solid 87 points from Robert Parker and 17\/20 from René Gabriel. Its value lies in offering mature Château Latour terroir character at a fraction of the Grand Vin price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Les Forts De Latour 1994?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew second wines in Bordeaux carry the weight and reputation that Les Forts De Latour commands. Sourced from the same Pauillac estate as one of the world's five First Growth wines, this 1994 bottling represents an opportunity to experience Château Latour's terroir — its gravel soils, its proximity to the Gironde, its winemaking precision — in a fully mature state. The 1994 vintage produced structured, tannic wines on the Left Bank, and three decades of development have given this bottle time to evolve well beyond its youthful austerity. For collectors and enthusiasts drawn to aged Bordeaux with genuine provenance, this is a bottle that tells a specific story of place and time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Les Forts De Latour","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836950900905,"sku":"15743","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/les_forts_de_latour__14738.jpg?v=1730475138"},{"product_id":"les-forts-de-latour-2019","title":"Les Forts De Latour 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLes Forts De Latour 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e is the second wine of Château Latour, a 750ml Pauillac red bottled at 14.3% ABV. Awarded 97 points by James Suckling, the 2019 vintage represents one of the highest-scoring recent releases for this cuvée, drawing from dedicated parcels adjacent to Latour's famed Enclos and reflecting the estate's organic certification achieved in 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.3%  |  Origin: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France  |  Vintage: 2019  |  Producer: Château Latour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Latour, a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Pauillac, has produced Les Forts as its second wine since 1966. The 2019 is blended from 65.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.9% Merlot, and 2.3% Petit Verdot, sourced mostly from parcels situated further inland from the estate's iconic Enclos vineyards, near Château Haut-Batailley. The wine was aged in 70% new French oak barrels, and this cuvée accounted for 39% of Latour's total production in the vintage. The estate has been certified organic since 2018, marking a significant commitment to sustainable viticulture for one of Bordeaux's most prestigious properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with classic Pauillac scents of cedar, cassis, and plum preserves before unfolding into layers of lavender, cigar ash, Spanish cedar, and dried citrus. Underlying mineral notes of graphite and crushed rocks add complexity and a sense of terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is concentrated and bright, with deep cassis and blackberry fruit leading into a mid-palate of mocha, sage, and subtle oregano. The structure is medium to full-bodied with ultrafine, linear tannins that carry the wine with muscular precision, balanced by refreshing acidity and sweet red fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and mineral-laced, with lingering tobacco leaf, bay leaf, and fine graphite. Tannins remain polished and seamlessly integrated, leaving a clean, lifted impression that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Les Forts De Latour\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 16–18°C in a large Bordeaux glass. Decanting for at least one to two hours will allow the 2019's concentrated tannin structure to open and its aromatic complexity to fully emerge. This wine has considerable aging potential and should drink well through the mid-2040s, though it already rewards patient decanting today. While this is principally a wine for the table, its tannic backbone and dark fruit concentration make it an ideal partner for richly flavored main courses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2019's combination of cassis intensity, fine tannins, and herbal undertones lends itself to grilled lamb chops with rosemary, braised short ribs with root vegetables, pan-seared duck breast with blackberry jus, or aged Comté and other firm, nutty cheeses. Roasted venison with juniper and sage also mirrors the wine's darker, savory aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring alongside a First Growth Bordeaux collection for medium- to long-term aging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Bordeaux enthusiast a benchmark Pauillac second wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a special anniversary dinner featuring red meat or game\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring the terroir of Château Latour without the Grand Vin price commitment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Les Forts De Latour 2019 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers concentrated cassis, blackberry, and mocha flavors framed by ultrafine tannins, with aromatic layers of cedar, lavender, cigar ash, and graphite leading into a long, mineral-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Les Forts De Latour compare to Château Pichon Longueville?\u003c\/strong\u003e Les Forts De Latour regularly matches top classified growths like Pichon-Longueville Baron and Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in blind tastings, despite its designation as a second wine. The 2019 Les Forts, at 97 points from James Suckling, scores on par with or above many of Pauillac's classified estates in this vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Les Forts De Latour 2019 good for cellaring?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its concentrated structure, fine-grained tannins, and high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon give it significant aging potential, with most critics suggesting a drinking window extending into the 2040s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Les Forts De Latour made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Les Forts De Latour is produced at Château Latour in the Pauillac appellation on Bordeaux's Left Bank, with fruit primarily sourced from estate parcels located inland from the Enclos, near Château Haut-Batailley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Les Forts De Latour 2019?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops with herbs complement the wine's cedar and herbal notes; braised short ribs match its rich tannic structure; pan-seared duck breast with berry sauce echoes the dark fruit core; aged hard cheeses like Comté balance the tannins; and roasted venison with juniper mirrors its savory, mineral depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Les Forts De Latour come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is 750ml, though larger formats such as magnums (1.5L) may be available depending on the vintage and market allocation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Les Forts De Latour 2019 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Les Forts De Latour positions as a premium second wine that consistently performs at classified-growth level, and the 2019's 97-point James Suckling score and 95-point Lisa Perrotti-Brown rating reinforce strong value relative to Château Latour's Grand Vin and comparable top Pauillac estates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Les Forts De Latour 2019?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2019 vintage stands as one of the finest recent editions of Les Forts, backed by a 97-point score from James Suckling and 95 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown at The Wine Independent. It is the product of Château Latour's transition to certified organic viticulture, completed in 2018, and a meticulous selection that allocated just 39% of the vintage's production to this cuvée. With its combination of Pauillac pedigree, concentrated fruit, and muscular yet harmonious structure, the 2019 delivers First Growth DNA at a tier below the Grand Vin — a rare intersection of quality and relative accessibility from one of Bordeaux's most celebrated estates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Les Forts De Latour","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836951163049,"sku":"18205","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/les_forts_de_latour_2004__86235.jpg?v=1730475141"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/les-forts-de-latour.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}