Les Forts de Latour

Les Forts de Latour is the second wine of Château Latour, Premier Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac in the Médoc. Its name derives from a historic plot within the Enclos, the heart of the estate’s vineyard, and it first appeared on the label in 1966.

Thanks to a relentless focus on quality, Les Forts de Latour has reached a level comparable to that of a Grand Cru Classé of the Médoc. Its grapes come from three sources: the edges of the Enclos; certain plots that could go into the Grand Vin but are directed to Les Forts de Latour based on blending tastings; and vineyards located outside the Enclos, in Cru Classé areas of Pauillac.

Among the latter are parcels such as Piñada, Petit Batailley and St. Anne, owned by the estate for over a century, with vines averaging around 40 years of age. To these are added a seven-hectare island on gravel terraces in the commune of Artigues, acquired in 2005, and several plots totaling about 5 hectares acquired in 2012. Different terroirs that lend the wine characters and aromatic profiles that vary according to the vintage.

Les Forts de Latour is produced with the same meticulous care as the Grand Vin, in the vineyard as well as in the cellar. Beyond the origin of the grapes, the only significant difference is the proportion of new oak barrels during ageing, between 50 and 60%, while the blend always includes a higher proportion of Merlot, between 25 and 30%.

Elegance, depth and the unmistakable character of Pauillac make Les Forts de Latour one of the most sought-after expressions of the great wines of Bordeaux.