Professional reviews
Robert Parker (94)
The 2018 Les Forts de Latour is made up of 65.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 0.4% Petit Verdot, with 14.2% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 77. It was aged in 60% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a fair bit of swirling to reveal notions of baked black cherries, cassis and blackberry pie with hints of pencil lead, clove oil, cardamom and allspice with a waft of violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impressive density with velvety tannins and a lively backbone supporting the generous black fruits, finishing long with all the earthy nuances coming through at the very end.
James Suckling (94.5)
A solid and steely red with lots of blackcurrant and blueberry character. Medium-to full-bodied and polished, fine tannins. Flavorful finish.
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Scented, neat and confident on the nose. Neat and focused. Not dramatic but everything is in balance. Long and classic. Just right!
Vinous (94)
The 2018 Les Forts de Latour is surprisingly approachable. It boasts serious concentration because of the warm dry summer and ensuing low yields, yet the intensity of the fruit pretty much covers the tannins, quite unusual for young Forts de Latour. Dark-toned fruit, gravel, incense, licorice and scorched earth add to the wine's distinctive sepia-toned personality. The 2018 turned out beautifully.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
A fruit bomb of a wine, the 2018 Les Forts De Latour is just about overflowing with sweet cassis and darker currant-like fruit, as well as complex notes of smoked tobacco, flowery incense, and spice. This plush, full-bodied, sexy effort has sweet tannins, a layered, opulent mouthfeel, and a great finish. This sensational effort is based on 65.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and just a splash of Petit Verdot, and it's as good as most châteaux's Grand Vin. Drink bottles any time over the coming 2+ decades.
Falstaff (95)
Deep dark ruby, opaque core, violet tints, delicate watery edge. Delicate nuances of cedar, black berry fruit, a hint of plums, tobacco savouriness, mineral underlay. Juicy, ripe cherries, ripe tannins, great sweetness on the finish, oranges and some nougat in the aftertaste, sure ageing potential.
Wine Enthusiast (94)
Barrel Sample. This second wine from Château Latour is impressive in a juicy black fruit flavor and firm tannins. It is opulence in feel yet well structured. It will age well.
