2012 Chateau Latour Les Forts de Latour

the history of Château Latour

Château Latour is one of Pauillac's most famous Premier Grand Cru Classés and is a global symbol of power, precision, and exceptional longevity. The estate has a history dating back to the 14th century and is considered one of Bordeaux's benchmarks. In addition to the Grand Vin, Latour has also produced Les Forts de Latour since the 1960s, a second wine that has become a benchmark in its category. Thanks to strict selection and the same care as the first wine, Les Forts de Latour offers impressive quality and the recognizable Latour signature.

the terroir of Pauillac

The vineyards are situated on the famous deep, gravelly soils of Pauillac, near the Gironde estuary. This terroir is known for its excellent drainage and heat retention, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Les Forts de Latour is made partly from plots not included in the Grand Vin, supplemented with wines from select partners who meet the strict Latour standards. The result is a wine with the powerful structure and graphite character typical of Pauillac.

the grapes and the 2012 harvest

The 2012 Les Forts de Latour is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. The growing season featured a cool and wet spring, followed by a very dry summer and a dry August. Flowering was uniform, and veraison began on July 19th. Harvest took place between September 24th and October 16th. Despite rain during the harvest, the grapes remained healthy and produced wines with concentration and freshness.

vinification and maturation

After rigorous selection, the wine underwent fermentation with careful extraction to preserve the tannins' refinement and elegance. It was aged in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new. This balance of oak enhances the aromatic depth and structure without overpowering the fruit. For optimal expression, it is recommended to decant the wine for approximately one and a half hours before consumption.

color, smell and taste

Les Forts de Latour 2012 displays a deep, intense color. The nose reveals aromas of red and black fruit, mint, orange peel, and subtle oak notes. The bouquet is further enriched with graphite and a light spice. On the palate, the wine presents itself as medium-bodied, with great precision, ripe yet fine tannins, and a layered texture. The finish is long, with notes of black pepper and graphite typical of Pauillac. According to the château's tasting notes, the wine is round, juicy, spicy, and aromatic, with a harmonious and enjoyable finish. Neal Martin praised the wine for its elegance and refinement, awarding it 93 points.

reviews and storage potential

Les Forts de Latour 2012 is praised for its finesse and aromatic complexity. Neal Martin awarded it 93 points, emphasizing that this second wine stands a level above many other Deuxième Vins. While already accessible and enjoyable, the wine still has potential to develop further. Its aging potential is estimated at ten to fifteen years after harvest, allowing it to continue to refine until at least 2030. For lovers of classic Pauillac, this is a stylish and elegant choice.

Would you like to order Château Latour wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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wine and food pairings

• Grilled sirloin steak with pepper cream sauce – the firm texture and peppery finish are the perfect accompaniment to this classic dish.
• Lamb chops with thyme and garlic – the spiciness of the dish enhances the aromatic complexity of the wine.
• Porcini mushroom risotto – the earthy notes of the mushrooms are balanced by the fruity and spicy layers.
• Pigeon with truffle jus – the refined tannins and long finish enhance the richness of this dish.
• Grilled aubergine with Mediterranean herbs – the earthy and spicy notes complement the mineral notes beautifully.
• Mature cheeses such as aged Comté or Stilton – the powerful flavours enhance the length and depth of the wine.