Les Forts de Latour

Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux, Chateau Latour isn't merely a prestigious First Growth Bordeaux; it stands as one of the world's most iconic estates. With a history dating back nearly seven centuries, it was one of the original four First Growths in the 1855 Classification. Under the stewardship of Francois Pinault and his dedicated team, Chateau Latour has continually redefined quality standards. Their second label, Les Forts de Latour, lives up to the estate's reputation, offering collectors a First Growth pedigree without the hefty price tag. Made from younger vines on the same plots and containing a higher percentage of merlot, Les Forts de Latour lays claim to one of Bordeaux's greatest second wines. 

The Rich History of Chateau Latour

Chateau Latour's history unfolds against the backdrop of the 14th century. During the Hundred Years War, the defensive tower, Tor à Saint-Lambert, was erected to safeguard the Gironde Estuary. Though the tower met destruction by the war's end, it was resurrected in the 1600s, lending its name to Chateau Latour.

In the 18th century, Marquis Nicolas-Alexandre de Segur acquired the estate, marking the beginning of a 300-year dynasty. The Segur family became synonymous with greatness in the region and eventually owned three of the five First Growths, including Chateau Latour, Chateau Lafite, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Chateau Latour's reputation for supreme quality spread worldwide, commanding a price twenty times that of an average Bordeaux wine. Even aristocrats like Thomas Jefferson developed a fondness for its wines.

The Birth of Les Forts de Latour

In 1963, the Segur family sold 75% of their shares to the London-based Pearson group, marking the beginning of a transformational era. The Chateau underwent extensive renovations, becoming one of the first in the region to adopt modern stainless-steel vats, replacing old oak vats during the fermentation process. Thirty additional acres were planted outside the famous "Enclos" vineyard, accompanied by drainage system improvements.

Three years later, the second wine, Les Forts de Latour, was created. The wine is made from younger vines on the same plots as the Grand Vin on the Enclos vineyard, as well as plots from Pinada, Petit Batailley, St. Anne, and Artigues. Around 40% of total production is used in Les Forts de Latour, receiving the same meticulous care and winemaking as the Grand Vin. However, the variety of terroirs gives Les Forts de Latour an added variety that separates it from the Grand Vin. The character is marked by a refined palate with firm tannins, mineral notes, graphite finish, and exotic spice aromas. The higher percentage of merlot (25-30% in the final blend) also contributes to the unique character of each Les Forts de Latour bottle. 

Enclos Vineyard: The Heart of Chateau Latour Wines

At the heart of Chateau Latour lies the Enclos vineyard, arguably Bordeaux's most prestigious site. Spanning 90 hectares, this vineyard, planted in 1794, has remained largely unaltered. Situated close to the Gironde River, it boasts diverse soils, including marl, clay, gravel, and limestone. On average, vines are 40 years old, planted to 74.2% cabernet sauvignon, 23.8% merlot, 1.8% cabernet franc, and .02% petit verdot.

Les Forts de Latour Winemaking

The meticulous winemaking process at Chateau Latour underpins its consistent quality improvement. Technical Director Frederic Engerer, in charge since 1995, has instituted a rigorous selection process, ensuring only the finest fruit is used. Grapes are vinified with precision, accounting for variety, parcel, and vine age. Les Fort de Latour ages in 50% new oak, a stark contrast to the use of 100% new oak on the Grand Vin.

2016 Les Forts de Latour and Other Notable Vintages

One of the most recent acclaimed vintages from the estate is the 2016 Les Forts de Latour, which received 96-point scores from Antonio Galloni, James Suckling, and Lisa Perrotti Brown. The bottle was praised for its aging potential, perfect for collectors looking to store top-quality Bordeaux wines before prices rise in the future. Additional acclaimed bottles include the 2009 and 2010 Les Forts de Latour, representative of the region's legendary vintages.

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