Les Forts de Latour (2nd Vin) 1996 150cl

Château Latour is in a unique class of its own, producing some of the most powerful, complex and irresistible wines in Bordeaux. For centuries, Latour has been the greatest First Growth in the Médoc, if not in the entire region, producing the world’s most remarkable reds year after year. Considered the oldest wine producing property in Pauillac, with a history dating back to the 14th century, owners have come and gone over the years leading to 1993, when François Pinault, a French billionaire industrialist bought up the château. Since then, while maintaining Latour’s pursuit for excellence, Pinault has made significant changes, including a complete renovation of the winery, vat room, winemaking facilities and storage areas. He has also built a new tasting room, and redesigned the architecture of the main building, Pinault’s strides for modernization continue to accrue. Today, Château Latour’s talented team, motivated by their quest for perfection in both the vineyard and cellar, craft three wines. Preferring to release their wines after they are bottled, Latour was the first Bordeaux château to withdraw from the En Primeur system, starting with the 2012 vintage. One of the three wines in production, Le Pauillac de Château Latour is a worthy third wine. While Les Forts de Latour is a very impressive second wine. Le Grand Vin is at the pinnacle of Latour’s production, as the Grand Vin, it is a regal, concentrated red that is harmoniously balanced by its sophisticated refinement.