2017 Forts de Latour
By Chateau Latour
The 2017 Forts de Latour from Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
The nobility of Pauillac is epitomised through the prestigious wines of Chateau Latour, and its 'second wine', Forts de Latour, commands respect with an authority that is second to none. The 2017 Forts de Latour is a sterling example of how even challenging vintages can yield wines of exceptional calibre under the stewardship of a venerated estate.
Distilling Elegance Amidst Adversity
The 2017 vintage faced its share of adversities, with April frosts causing heartache across Bordeaux. Nevertheless, certain esteemed parcels, such as those of Chateau Latour, with their near-magical terroir adjacent to the Gironde estuary, circumvented this climatic turmoil. As a result, the wine bears fruit to an impeccable microclimate and fastidious vineyard practices.
A Study in Resilience and Grace
The elegance of the 2017 Forts de Latour is resonant—here is a vintage that speaks not merely of survival but of thriving under pressure. The wine artfully interlaces the classic Pauillac spirit with the distinct signature hallmarks of this particular year's tightrope walk over meteorological challenges. It yields an array that showcases both traditional depth and an unexpected vibrance brought on by cooler weather influences.
The deep garnet hue is enigmatically inviting while the bouquet unfurls with layers of cassis, pencil lead, and crushed violet petals—a narrative spun directly from its appellation's heart. On the palate, structure meets elegance: taut tannins are dressed silkily in dark berries and subtle earthiness, hinting at a commendable longevity waiting patiently for those astute enough to invest in time’s embrace.
In summation, this investment-worthy nectar stands as testimony to Chateau Latour's relentless pursuit of quality against all odds. Discerning collectors know the exceptional promise borne by those vintages that whisper of hardship transmuted into finesse. The 2017 Forts de Latour—a documentarian of resilience and testimony to what can be achieved with expertise when nature poses its riddles—deserves its place in the cellars of serious investors and connoisseurs alike.
Market price (GBP)
£1,640.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
109.33
Scores and tasting notes
This is really minerally with crushed stones and dark berries. Some licorice. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a beautiful, tight and focused finish. Such energy, delivered down a straight line.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Les Forts de Latour features beautiful blackcurrants, redcurrants and kirsch overtones with touches of bay leaves, lavender, tobacco, tilled soil, cedar chest and red roses. The palate is medium-bodied, firm, grainy and refreshing with a great intensity of flavors—quite muscular and densely packed—with a nice long, earth and mineral-laced finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Les Forts de Latour is a dark, sensual wine. There is a real sense of weight and gravitas to the Forts de Latour. Graphite, smoke, grilled herb and menthol notes add to an impression of darkness in this deceptively medium-bodied Pauillac. What a gorgeous and promising wine the 2017 is. The blend is 65.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 0.8% Cabernet Franc.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Les Forts de Latour has a crisp, focused bouquet with blackberry, graphite and cedar, a little tighter than the 2016 last year, a little airier. The palate is medium-bodied underpinned by very refined and supple tannin that lend this a silky texture. I can envisage this being a more approachable Les Forts de Latour compared to recent vintages, with a lovely sense of mineralité that blossoms on the finish. Excellent.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18