Chateau Latour   Forts de Latour

2015 Forts de Latour

By Chateau Latour

2015 Forts de Latour from Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The 2015 vintage in Bordeaux was one met with a blend of anticipation and meticulous scrutiny, a year where Pauillac, with its deep gravel soils, showcased a masterful expression of balance and poise. In this cadre of excellence rests the 2015 Forts de Latour from Chateau Latour, an offering that commands attention from both oenophilic and investment perspectives.

 

Investment in a Liquid Masterpiece

Fine wine investors seek out not only the prestige but also the intricacies unique to each vintage. The 2015 Forts de Latour presents itself as an investable treasure, displaying all the hallmarks of its esteemed origins while providing a fresh narrative steeped in the distinct climatic nuances of its year.

 

Terrain-Touched Opulence

The relatively dry winter and hot June of 2015 laid down a challenge met astutely by the resilient vineyards of Chateau Latour. The resulting harvest imbued the 2015 Forts de Latour with an exceptional depth, wrapped in a cocoon of refined tannins that reveal a firm yet approachable structure—a testament to the benefits of meticulous vineyard management and deft winemaking.

The nose delights with layers of complex aromas; cedar and graphite intermingle with ripe blackcurrants and cherries, underscored by a touch of menthol. Upon tasting, one is greeted by a supple mouthfeel where dark berry fruit cohabits gracefully with hints of violet and tobacco, all culminating in a prolonged, elegant finish.

While remaining true to its roots, the 2015 vintage strides forward as one of poised vibrancy and allure. A wine of striking finesse and durability; it reflects both the storied past of Chateau Latour and its vibrant passage through time. Sitting comfortably alongside venerable vintages from this illustrious estate, it offers a contemporary chapter rich with potential for both enjoyment and capital appreciation.

In summary, the 2015 Forts de Latour from Chateau Latour stands as a beacon amongst Pauillac’s offerings. It is an eloquent example of how fine wine can encapsulate both the essence of its storied terroir and the singular characteristics imparted by nature's whims during an exceptional year. As such, this vintage presents an admirable opportunity for discerning investors to enrich their collections with a bottle that embodies both historical reverence and present-day splendour.

Market price (GBP)

£1,810.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

129.29

Scores and tasting notes

93-94

Very fruity and lifted with bright and floral aromas and flavors. Full and velvety. Gorgeous finish. Very pure and focused. Pretty Les Forts.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com

94

Composed of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.9% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Les Forts de Latour needs a fair bit of air to unlock a profound, powerhouse nose of blackcurrant cordial, boysenberries, plum preserves and dark chocolate, with suggestions of Chinese five spice, clove oil, violets and crushed rocks. The palate packs an absolute flavor wallop, bursting with rich, ripe black fruits and loads of spicy sparks, while framed by beautifully plush tannins, finishing long and minerally. Not at all heavy, on the contrary, the Les Forts is both expansive AND tantalizingly refreshing. In terms of evolution, it has barely budged since I last tasted it in 2017. While it's drinking very well right now, it easily has a good 20 years of cellaring ahead, maybe more. Impressive.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 22 March 2021

93

Showing much more power and concentration than the 2014 at this stage, Latour’s second wine is quite closed at the moment: dense, brooding and compact with excellent underlying fruit and acidity. It just needs time to come together. Drink: 2022-32

Tim Atkin - timatkin.com

92-94

The 2015 Les Forts de Latour is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.9% Petit Verdot, representing 40% of the production. It has a very succinct bouquet, quite understated for Les Forts de Latour with a marine influence filtering through the dark plum and briary fruit. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, not huge depth here but harmonious and sensual, fanning out gently with graphite-tinged black fruit that linger long in the mouth. This is a classy Les Forts de Latour that will age gracefully over 20 years or more.

Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016

17+

They are picking these grapes earlier nowadays. Dark crimson. Very sumptuous nose. Massive sweetness on the front palate and then Pauillac stoniness. A real charmer. Lots of vigour and punch. Complete and very dry. Needs lots of time.

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance