Les Forts de Latour 2002

Characteristics and tasting tips for Les Forts de Latour 2002

Tasting

Colour
The wine displays a deep hue, ranging from dark ruby to purple.

Nose
The bouquet is rich and complex, offering aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant, black cherry and blueberry. It is enhanced by notes of cedar, liquorice, truffle and earth, with subtle hints of spice, incense and marzipan.

Palate
Medium- to full-bodied, the palate opens with a succulent attack and a supple texture. Supported by ripe tannins and a lovely glycerine-rich roundness, it stands out for its smooth, harmonious profile and extends into a delicious finish of good length.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with roasted white meats, such as poultry served with gnocchi and asparagus. It will also enhance grilled red meats, braised game, roast leg of lamb or aged hard cheeses.

Serving and ageing

To fully appreciate Les Forts de Latour 2002, serve it at around 16°C. Decanting for one to two hours is recommended to allow the bouquet to open up completely. In terms of ageing, this wine reached its plateau of maturity around 2020 and is now drinking at its best.

The richness and complexity of a great Pauillac wine

The estate

Located in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards, Château Latour traces its origins to a fortified tower built in 1331, although the wine estate truly began to flourish in the 17th century. This Premier Grand Cru Classé is renowned for its exceptional terroir overlooking the Gironde estuary. Now owned by Groupe Artémis, headed by François Pinault, the estate is managed by Frédéric Engerer. It stands out for its pursuit of excellence, its conversion to biodynamics and its philosophy of late release, producing wines of remarkable longevity.

The vineyard

The vineyard from which this wine comes lies within the prestigious Pauillac appellation. The vines grow on deep gravel rises made up of pebbles and sand over a clay or silt subsoil, and benefit from the moderating influence of the nearby Gironde estuary. The grapes come from a meticulous selection: plots on the edges of the historic heart of the estate, some vines from the Enclos, and classified outlying terroirs. The estate favours precision viticulture, with a gradual conversion to organic and biodynamic farming.

The vintage

The 2002 vintage came from a growing season that was not unanimously regarded as exceptional across the region. However, thanks to a privileged terroir and rigorous management of the vine's growth cycle, conditions made it possible to harvest highly concentrated grapes at optimal ripeness, resulting in a remarkable success for this cuvée.

Vinification and ageing

On arrival at the cellar, the bunches undergo a rigorous double sorting before being destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats sized to suit each plot. After a maceration of around three weeks, punctuated by pumping over and punching down, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. The blend of Les Forts de Latour 2002 is then assembled with precision. Ageing continues for around 18 months in oak barrels, 50 to 60% of which are new, with regular racking.

Grape varieties

This wine is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot.