Les Forts de Latour Pauillac 2018 is a powerful and refined second wine from Château Latour, crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail as the Grand Vin. Rich blackcurrant, blueberry and ripe strawberry aromas lead to layers of liquorice, cigar wrapper, violet and sweet spice. The palate is concentrated and structured, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and a long, mineral finish. A compelling vintage with excellent ageing potential.

James Suckling | JS 94-95
Published: Apr 11, 2019

A solid and steely red with lots of blackcurrant and blueberry character. Medium-to full-bodied and polished, fine tannins. Flavorful finish.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Jan 5, 2024
Drink: 2025-2038

Richly perfumed on the nose, so aromatic and scented in a heady way - ripe strawberries and blackcurrants. A bit more subdued than I was expecting with a crushed stone texture to the tannins, less plush - more serious, straight, determined and all in one line. Ripe and cool black and blue fruits, less jammy than I was expecting but still with clear depth aided by high acidity and touch of spice and tension around the sides. Nicely textured - a complex glass of wine, definitely not 'easy drinking' right now - give it a few years and a long decant, but this builds and builds, with a great sense of complexity, terroir and minerality to it.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92+
Published: Apr 26, 2024
Drink: 2026-2045

The just-released 2018 Les Forts de Latour wafts from the glass with aromas of creamy berries, licorice, red fruit compote, cigar wrapper and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, youthfully chewy palate with a sweet core of fruit that can't quite conceal its underlying tannic payload. Like many 2018s, its youthful flesh is receding to reveal structure that will demand some patience to resolve.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17.5
Published: Jan 20, 2022
Drink: 2027-2050

Tasted blind. Scented, neat and confident on the nose. Neat and focused. Not dramatic but everything is in balance. Long and classic. Just right! Jancis Robinson

Winemaker

Taking its name from a historic plot in the Enclos, Les Forts de Latour has ascended to the level of a Médoc Grand Cru Classé and is now regarded as a great wine in its own right. The wine, derived from various plots that represent very different terroirs, offers more varied characteristics and flavour profiles. Les Forts de Latour is produced with the same meticulous care as the Grand Vin, both in the vineyard and in the winery.

With 94 points on Wine Advocate, Les Forts de Latour 2018 joins the 2017 release as the estate’s second highest-rated vintage, on par with legendary vintages such as 1982, 2010 and 2015. With a small production and increasing demand, Les Forts de Latour 2018 is another brilliant second wine from Latour that deserves a spot in the cellars of fine wine lovers and collectors.

Tasting Note: Les Fortes de Latour 2018 is a medium to full-bodied wine with heady aromas of dark fruits, violet petals and pencil lead bestrewed with sweet spices and liquorice. This is an exhilarating wine, powerfully structured with present but fine-grained tannins, concentrated flavours and an acidity bringing a full and elegant finish to the mouth.