2016 Les Forts de Latour
Château Latour have this morning released their 2016 Les Forts de Latour, described by one critic as "the winner of the best second wine in the vintage" (JD) and scoring as high as 96 points from Antonio Galloni and James Suckling. Jane Anson says she would be "happy to recommend choosing this 2nd wine over many main estate wines in less impressive vintages", whilst Neal Martin describes it as "regal", so at just £980 per six bottles in bond, this is approaching First Growth quality for second wine money.
As you may remember, Latour's owner François Pinault and his team decided in 2012 to leave the en primeur market, hence this is the first time the 2016 has come to the market, made more special by the fact that this was such a superb vintage, a year universally loved by the trade and critics.
When we first tasted it from cask at Château Latour five years ago, from its intensity, balance and sheer class it was quite obvious that this was all set to be a great Forts; the critics’ ratings below not only endorse that view, but make it the single finest Les Forts de Latour of the modern era.
A powerful, muscular Forts, in keeping with the year, it is also balanced and classical. Drinking dates extend into the 2060s, making excellent long-term cellaring (and hence investment) potential.
Stock is extremely limited, please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to order from this new release.
Offered ex-Château. Landing in the UK by autumn 2022.
Producer Profile
Château Latour, Pauillac
Château Latour is a Premier Cru Classé estate in the commune of Pauillac. Rated as a first growth in the 1855 Classification. The estate dates to the early 14th century and was named after the fortified medieval 'Tour Saint Lambert'. The estate was bought at the start of the 18th century by the Segur family and was owned by them for three centuries. Nicolas-Alexandre Segur (known as the 'Prince of Vines') also purchased Mouton and Calon in 1718. The existing château was build in the mid-19th century. Francois Pinault bought Latour in 1993, hiring Frederic Engerer as winemaker (now its president). Latour decided to leave the en primeur system in 2012 and now releases its wines when they deem them ready to drink.
The 78 hectares of vines are planted to 74.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.8 Merlot, 1.8% Cabernet Franc and .02% Petit Verdot. At the heart of Latour's vineyards is a 47-hectare parcel known as 'Enclos', which provides all the fruit for the grand vin. The terroir here is a mixture of deep gravels and “Argile Gonflante" clay. The vines are farmed using organic and biodynamic practices. Vinification is in a mix of stainless steel vats, from very small to very large, allowing for vinification by plots. The second wine, Les Forts de Latour, is made from young vines in and around the Enclos. A third wine, Le Pauillac de Château Latour, is also made.
