1971 Les Forts de Latour
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Tasting notes
The 1971 Les Forts de Latour is a bottle bought by yours truly for a dinner, though I was perturbed by what looked like some leakage from the capsule. Forewarning my guests not to expect much, lo and behold, it was rather fine. There are dark berry fruit, cedar/pine forest and dry tobacco notes on the slightly rustic nose. The palate is medium-bodied with somewhat coarse tannins, but some lovely black truffle scents emerge with time. It does not have a sense of cohesion, and the finish feels a bit frayed, but otherwise, this Deuxième Vin is hanging in there. Tasted at Loma restaurant in London.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
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The 1971 Les Forts de Latour is a vintage I encountered once before in London. This example, poured blind at the château against the Grand Vin, is much better. This is immediate on the nose, the fruit with traces of more raspberry and wild strawberry than the Grand Vin, bright and open-knit. Pencil-shaving hints emerge with time in the glass. The palate is malleable and beautifully balanced, with a fine bead of acidity and a little more flesh on the finish. Just as the Latour soars, the Les Forts de Latour seems to run out of energy and fades in the glass. Nevertheless, it remains a mightily impressive wine for a 53-year-old Deuxième Vin. Well-kept bottles continue to give pleasure.
About the producer
One of Bordeaux’s five First Growths, as classified in 1855, Ch. Latour is among the most famous addresses in Pauillac and the world. The estate is renowned for its long-ageing, powerful and structured wines.