Les Forts de Latour 1998

Producer: Château Latour | Appellation: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 1998 | Cuvée: Les Forts de Latour (Second Wine of Château Latour)
Blend: Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and small amounts of Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2010–2035+ | Aging Potential: 30+ years

The Wine

Les Forts de Latour is widely regarded as one of Bordeaux’s finest second wines, produced from dedicated parcels and younger vines of the legendary Château Latour estate. Crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail as the Grand Vin, it offers remarkable Pauillac character while often being approachable earlier in its life.

The 1998 vintage has matured beautifully, revealing the complexity and refinement that make mature Left Bank Bordeaux so compelling. Combining structure with elegance, this wine delivers classic Pauillac depth alongside developed tertiary character, while retaining freshness and vitality.

Now in an excellent drinking window, it offers collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the pedigree of Château Latour with beautifully integrated maturity.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, cedar, cigar box, graphite, and dried tobacco with hints of leather and forest floor.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied with silky, resolved tannins. Layers of dark fruit, cedar, spice, and savoury mineral notes with impressive balance.

Finish: Long, refined, and persistent, with lingering cedar, earth, and classic Pauillac character.

Producer Details

Château Latour stands among Bordeaux’s greatest estates, renowned for producing some of the world’s most age-worthy wines. Les Forts de Latour benefits from the same exceptional terroir and uncompromising winemaking philosophy, consistently outperforming expectations for a second wine.

Wine Details

Vinification: Fermented in temperature-controlled vats; aged approximately 16–18 months in French oak barrels
Alcohol Content: ~13% ABV
Cellaring: Drinking beautifully now with decanting; capable of continued development through 2035+

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with:
– Roast beef or lamb
– Ribeye steak
– Game dishes
– Mushroom-based cuisine
– Mature hard cheeses