2003 Forts de Latour
By Chateau Latour
2003 Forts de Latour from Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2003 vintage was a year that branded its unmistakable identity on the wines of Bordeaux, courtesy of extraordinarily hot weather that swept across Europe. In this unique setting, the 2003 Forts de Latour from the venerable Chateau Latour emerges as an opulent testament to the estate's adroit adaptation to climatic challenges.
A Vintage That Rewrites The Rules
Where other vintages whisper, the 2003 thunders with an intensity born of the sun-scorched earth of Pauillac. The heatwave has graced this wine with luxuriant maturity, a feature often chased yet seldom achieved with such finesse. The concentration of fruit in the 2003 Forts de Latour is deep and profound, presenting layers of cassis, blackberry and preserved plum, seamlessly entwined with hints of cedar and sweet spices derived from expertly-crafted oak integration.
An Investment-Worthy Profile
The structure — a backbone if you will — remains firm and gives investors much to admire in terms of potential longevity. Tannins, though ripe and approachable now, suggest that this offering from Chateau Latour has yet more chapters to unfurl. It stands as a marvellous opportunity for investors looking to broaden their portfolio with a wine that captures the essence of one of Bordeaux’s most exceptional years.
Indeed, for connoisseurs and collectors alike, tracking down a bottle from this particular chapter in Chateau Latour's storied history is akin to unearthing a rare gem. While it may diverge from the traditional path tread by Pauillac's wines in cooler vintages, it offers an alluringly different narrative—one suffused with the vigour and zeal of the year 2003.
In summary, the 2003 Forts de Latour is an illustrious articulation of how Chateau Latour conquered an extreme season. Its plush textures, rich palate, and robust composition align splendidly with both the hedonistic pleasure sought by aficionados and the strategic foresight esteemed by wine investors. It is, without hesitation, one of the standout offerings from an unforgettable year in Bordeaux viticulture.
Market price (USD)
$2,180.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
137.69
Scores and tasting notes
Riper than 2000 with sultanas and plums. It’s full with ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Be patient. Try in a year or two.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 13th 2012
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. The 2003 Les Forts de Latour has a classy bouquet that is very well defined: graphite infused black fruit that offers wonderful focus. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, plenty of pure black fruit mingling with pencil shavings and cedar. The finish has a sweet supple, pastille-like generosity that makes this a very appealing Les Forts. A Grand Vin in all but name. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
Very deep garnet-black colored, this vintage offers a seriously ripe and expressive nose of creme de cassis and dried plum with a savory, meaty, gamey undercurrent. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a good density and firm, grainy tannins plus a refreshing backbone of acid giving lift through the long earthy finish. It’s great to drink now but there’s certainly no rush to drink-up.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164
The 2003 Les Forts de la Tour possesses a dense ruby/plum/purple color in addition to notions of cold steel, lead pencil shavings, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied, opulent, heady, rich, and lush, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. What can one say about proprietor Francois Pinault and his manager, Frederic Engerer? A strong argument can be made that in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, Latour produced the wine of the vintage, although it has plenty of competition in the Northern Medoc in 2003. Moreover, the bargains are the estate’s least expensive cuvee, Pauillac, followed by Les Forts de Latour, Latour’s second wine which continues to increase in quality.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 23 April 2006