1999 Latour Les Forts de Latour
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Les Forts de Latour was cropped at 38hl/ha. It is noticeably deep in color with just faint signs of bricking on the rim. It offers an impressive array of aromas: raspberry preserve, wild strawberry, cedar and light tobacco scents, probably more intense than I would anticipate after 20 years. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, quite tensile opening. There is a little more sharpness here compared to the 1989 Les Fort de Latour, and slightly higher acidity (at a surprising pH of 3.73). The compact but lively finish reveals hints of charcoal and tobacco. This is aging very gracefully – quite punchy compared to the 1989 yet thoroughly enjoyable.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Dark crimson. Exciting evolution that reminds me a little of the bouquet of Domaine de Chevalier and Smith Haut Lafitte in terms of its minerality. Now this is pretty classy wine. I want to swallow it! Great balance and succulence and just ready to drink now, yet obviously with lots of potential. (JR)
Latour has long produced one of Bordeaux's greatest second wines. The beautiful, pure, deep purple-colored 1999 Forts de Latour reveals sweet, cedary, cassis scents, medium to full body, ripe tannin, and a long finish. It should drink well for 15+ years.
Pretty tobacco and berry, with hints of cedar. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Slightly austere. Second wine of Latour. Best after 2003. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 2002.
About the producer
One of Bordeaux’s five First Growths, as classified in 1855, Ch. Latour is among the most famous addresses in Pauillac and the world. The estate is renowned for its long-ageing, powerful and structured wines.