critic reviews
Very deep garnet-black in color, the 2010 Les Forts de Latour is a blend of 64.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5.5% Petit Verdot. After a little swirling, notes of plum preserves, crème de cassis, dark chocolate, espresso, and Indian spices erupt from the glass, plus suggestions of menthol and cedar. The medium to full-bodied palate is completely coated with densely packed black fruit layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. Developing very slowly, this Les Forts is still just shy of its ideal drinking window. Give it another 4-5 years in bottle, and then drink it over the next 20+ years.
The 2010 Les Forts de Latour puts the Carruades de Lafite in the shade with its fabulous and disarmingly pure black fruit laced with tobacco and smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and an unerring and inspiring sense of symmetry towards the finish. This is a Deuxième Vin with a surfeit of pedigree and frankly puts some of the Grand Vins in the shade. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.