2019 Chateau Latour Les Forts de Latour

2019 Les Forts de Latour is the acclaimed second wine of the legendary Château Latour, offering a more approachable expression of this First Growth estate without sacrificing depth or pedigree. From a superb Bordeaux vintage, it captures the power and precision of Pauillac in a beautifully refined, ageworthy red. This cuvée, first introduced in the 1960s, has grown into one of the world’s most sought‑after second wines, often rivaling classified growths in its own right.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Les Forts de Latour shows a deep, vivid garnet-purple hue, announcing both youth and concentration. The nose is intense yet finely detailed, with layers of blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry framed by graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf and subtle violets, along with hints of pencil shavings, crushed stone and a touch of cocoa from its time in oak. On the palate, this is classic Pauillac structure with a modern polish: firm, ripe tannins, bright yet balanced acidity and a core of pure, dark fruit. Flavors of cassis, plum and wild berries mingle with notes of cigar box, licorice, baking spices and a gentle smokiness. The finish is long, precise and mineral-driven, with a lingering impression of freshness and fine-grained tannin. While already harmonious, the 2019 has significant aging potential; it will reward cellaring for at least 10–20 years, developing greater complexity, tertiary notes of leather and truffle, and a silkier texture over time.

Production
Les Forts de Latour is sourced primarily from plots adjacent to the grand vin vineyards in Pauillac, rooted in the deep gravel soils over limestone and clay that define this part of the Left Bank. These well-drained, heat-retaining gravels are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing for slow, even ripening and exceptional concentration. The grapes are harvested by hand, parcel by parcel, with rigorous sorting to ensure only pristine fruit makes it into the final blend. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, allowing precise extraction of color, aroma and tannin. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels—typically with a significant proportion of new oak—for around 16–18 months, during which it gains texture, complexity and its signature notes of cedar, spice and graphite, all while remaining an authentic reflection of the Château Latour terroir.

Food & Serving
The structure and depth of the 2019 Les Forts de Latour make it an excellent partner for richly flavored dishes. Classic pairings include roast lamb with herbs, dry-aged ribeye, beef Wellington, venison, duck breast, and slow-braised beef or veal. It also works beautifully with truffle dishes, mushroom-based sauces, and hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance. In its youth, decanting for 1–2 hours will help the tannins soften and allow the bouquet to fully open; as it matures, a shorter decant of about 30 minutes is usually sufficient to remove sediment and awaken the wine.

Producer
Château Latour is one of Bordeaux’s most revered names, a First Growth estate whose history in Pauillac stretches back to at least the 14th century. Over the centuries, Latour has built a reputation for producing some of the most long-lived, powerful and precise Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in the world. Its walled vineyard, the famous Enclos, lies at the southern edge of Pauillac near the Gironde estuary, where the unique combination of deep gravel, excellent drainage and moderating maritime influence creates an exceptional terroir. Les Forts de Latour, introduced in 1966 and officially recognized as a distinct wine from the 1990s onward, has become a benchmark among second wines, often outperforming many classified growths. The estate is known for meticulous vineyard management, including sustainable and increasingly organic practices, and for its unwavering commitment to quality, making every bottle from Château Latour—grand vin or second wine—a reference point for the region.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.