2014 Chateau Latour Les Forts de Latour

Les Forts de Latour 2014 is the second wine of the legendary Château Latour, offering a privileged glimpse into the DNA of one of Pauillac’s most revered estates at a more approachable level. This late-release bottling has been held back in the château’s own cellars, ensuring optimal maturity, harmony and drinkability on release. Combining classical Bordeaux structure with Latour’s trademark depth and precision, it is widely regarded as one of the finest second wines in all of Bordeaux. Crafted from a blend of 71.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28.6% Merlot, the 2014 vintage showcases the purity, freshness and tension that define this classic Bordeaux year. Les Forts de Latour, first produced in 1966, has since earned a reputation for delivering remarkable value relative to the Grand Vin, benefiting from the same meticulous care in the vineyard and cellar. Rooted in a history that reaches back to the 14th century and elevated by Latour’s Premier Cru Classé status since 1855, this wine stands at the crossroads of heritage, precision and contemporary excellence.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Les Forts de Latour 2014 presents a deep, dense ruby-red colour, almost opaque at the core, hinting at both concentration and youthfulness despite its age. The nose is refined and layered, opening with pure cassis and blackcurrant, followed by notes of dark plum, graphite, tobacco leaf and cedar. Subtle accents of vanilla, sweet spice and a touch of cocoa emerge with air, reflecting its élevage in fine French oak. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, impeccably structured Pauillac with a core of ripe black fruits—cassis, blackberry and plum—wrapped in firm yet polished tannins. Nuances of dark chocolate, cigar box, pencil shavings and gentle spice add complexity, while a fresh, vibrant acidity keeps the wine precise and energetic. The finish is long and persistent, with a poised balance between fruit, tannin and minerality that lingers elegantly. Already beautifully approachable thanks to its late release from the château, the 2014 Les Forts de Latour will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 10–20 years, gaining further aromatic complexity and silkier texture.

Production
Les Forts de Latour is sourced primarily from plots surrounding Château Latour’s famed l’Enclos and select parcels within the Pauillac appellation, in the heart of the Médoc, about 50 km northwest of Bordeaux. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates temperatures and protects the vines from extremes, while the gravelly, well-drained soils over clay and limestone provide ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon to reach full phenolic ripeness. Under the stewardship of the Pinault family since 1993, Château Latour has undertaken a profound shift toward more sustainable and organic viticulture, with meticulous plot-by-plot management, low yields and hand harvesting at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, the grapes are sorted with great precision, vinified in temperature-controlled vats to preserve purity and structure, then aged in French oak barrels—typically with a significant proportion of new oak—where the wine develops its trademark finesse, complexity and aging potential before being bottled and held back for late release.

Food & Serving
Les Forts de Latour 2014 is a natural partner for classic, richly flavoured dishes. Think roast or grilled lamb with rosemary, dry-aged ribeye or côte de boeuf, venison or other game, and slow-braised beef or veal. It also pairs beautifully with earthy preparations such as mushroom ragout, truffle-infused dishes or roasted root vegetables, as well as hard cheeses like Comté, aged Gouda or mature cheddar. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and refined structure. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to fully open, soften the tannins and reveal its layered bouquet, especially if enjoyed within the next few years.

Producer
Château Latour is one of Bordeaux’s most storied and prestigious estates, with roots tracing back to the 14th century and an unbroken reputation for producing some of the world’s greatest Cabernet-based wines. Located in Pauillac, at the heart of the Médoc, the estate was elevated to Premier Cru Classé in the historic 1855 Classification, cementing its status as an icon of the Left Bank. Its privileged terroir, particularly the famed l’Enclos overlooking the Gironde estuary, has long been celebrated for delivering wines of remarkable longevity, intensity and precision. Since the Pinault family took ownership in 1993, Latour has undergone extensive investments in both vineyard and cellar, including a strong commitment to organic viticulture and ever more exacting plot selection. Les Forts de Latour, introduced in 1966, has since become a benchmark among Bordeaux second wines, showcasing the estate’s savoir-faire and Pauillac’s noble character with a slightly more accessible profile than the Grand Vin.

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