The 2016 Les Forts de Latour is a blend of 64.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.3% Merlot and 0.4% Cabernet Franc, and it represents 37.5% of production this year. It has a surprisingly opulent bouquet, almost a lushness to it thanks to the power of the Merlot, lending it an almost Right Bank allure (possibly due to one parcel in Artigues being declassified from the Grand Vin into the Les Forts de Latour). The palate is very well balanced with supple tannin. Occasionally this Deuxième Vin can be austere like the Chateau Latour, but this year I find this to be lithe in the mouth, quite sensual with the structure surfacing towards the graphite tinged finish. The length is very impressive here. It will be interested to see when the estate eventually release this wine. This is a plump 'n lovely Les Forts de Latour! Drink 2023 - 2045.

This builds slowly on the palate, but it’s worth it. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and lots of currants, berries and minerals on the finish. On and on. Better than the 2015?

This is an exceptionally good Forts de Latour, representing 37.5% of production. It is full of graphite and black cassis, closed but not austere. There is flesh on these bones and the texture is already remarkably finessed. This is grippy, showing finesse and energy, aged entirely in new oak although you can't tell. The sense of energy is remarkable even in this second wine. 64.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.3% Merlot and 0.4% Cabernet Franc.

The 2016 Les Forts de Latour kicks things up a notch. Dark tonalities of red and purplish fruit, along with hints of grilled herbs, rose petal and smoke, give the wine a palpable sense of gravitas and power that plays off the silky, voluptuous fruit. The 2016 is wonderfully complete Forts de Latour. In 2016, Forts de Latour represents 37.5% of the 2016 harvest.

Very supple tannins and absolutely pure drive. Sleek and pure. Rather floral and great evolution of tannins. Super-expressive. (He used very little sulphur on the fruit, which may have had an influence…) Great purity. Dances. Much more refreshing than this wine used to be. 13.5%.Drink 2026-2042.