Forts de Latour 2006

The brilliant second wine, the 2006 Les Forts de Latour, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, possesses a dense ruby/purple color, a beautiful bouquet of asphalt, cassis, cedar, truffles, and earth, and a full-bodied, dense, beautiful style that is similar to a 1996 Pauillac. It will age effortlessly for 15 years. Latour's brilliant manager, Frederic Engerer, has purchased 15 hectares of old vine Grenache and Syrah in the Cotes du Rhone region, the Drome, at a cool-climate elevation. I can't wait to see the first vintage from this Cotes du Rhone project.

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The Les Forts ’06 is comparatively generous on the nose at this stage, although it does not have the same degree of complexity than a first class Les Forts. Touches of cedar, mulberry and wild hedgerow infuse opulent black fruits, but it does not quite have the same level of definition. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, nice grip, insistent but linear on the finish with the puppy fat beginning to melt away. A competent, rather than stunning wine. Tasted January 2010.

A firm and juicy Les Forts with blueberry and chili character. Medium to full body, with linear tannins and a crisp finish. A little too austere to be outstanding. Drink now or hold.