2008 Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac

With gorgeous, concentrated dark fruit, intriguing spice and fine, silky tannins the Forts de Latour is a force to be reckoned with in 2008. The Grand Vin was our favourite wine of the vintage and to be honest their Second Wine isnt far behind. The tannins are luxuriously coated in rich, ripe blackcurrant fruit which makes them roll across the palate so incredibly smoothly but a crunchy minerality adds the classic, linear backbone of Pauillac. This reminded us of the 2004 but has a freshness that bodes well for long ageing potential. Remarkable.Château Latour

Purple-red, smoky, almost seductive Pauillac fruit, yet has the firmness, grip and structure of a serious wine, not a blockbuster, fine purity and length. Drink 2015-25.
(Decanter - Apr-2009)

Second wine. Deep crimson – less blue than the Pauillac. Not much nose. Very cool and tight. Restricted and taut. Very firm. Dry and strict. Wait a long time –pretty solid. Not a charmer. Clean and brisk. Very energetic. A little low key today.

A strong effort, this 2008 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, more minerality than the 2010 and hints of cedarwood, black currants, underbrush and forest floor. This round, generous blend of 66.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33.5% Merlot should easily last for two decades or more.
(Robert Parker- Wine Advocate- May 2011)

The second wine seems to have picked up most of the Merlot from the Latour vineyards (31.5% Merlot and 66.5% Cabernet Sauvignon dominate the blend). The 2008 Les Forts de Latour is a forward, pure wine displaying remarkably sweet tannins along with aromas of black currants, forest floor, and a hint of underbrush. Opulent, round, and generous, it should drink well for 15-20 years, possibly longer given the fact that the 1982 Les Forts de Latour is still a beautiful wine, and it’s “only” 27 years of age!

Subtle aromas of currant and raspberry, with a minerally undertone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A little one-dimensional on the palate, but very good
(James Suckling - Wine Spectator - Apr-2009)