2008 Forts de Latour
By Chateau Latour
2008 Forts de Latour from Chateau Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2008 vintage from the revered Chateau Latour, encapsulated by the Forts de Latour, stands as a testament to the estate's entrenched philosophy of precision viticulture and winemaking. Bridging the gap for collectors and investors alike between immediacy of pleasure and longevity, this rendition of Pauillac finesse resonates with the wisdom of a challenging growing season that concluded with remarkable fortune.
Subtlety of Season, Mastery of Craft
The 2008 vintage in Bordeaux was one characterised by binary extremes—initially cool and wet conditions that eventually bowed to a saviour of a September which bestowed optimal ripening for the grapes. This duality is eloquently expressed in the complexity and balance of the 2008 Forts de Latour. Its creation touched by adversity yet emerging triumphant has marked it as an attractively investable proposition for the astute connoisseur.
A Harmony Rarely Echoed
2008 Forts de Latour entices with an astounding equilibrium—capturing tight-knit tannins alongside supple dark fruit notes, exhibiting typical robustness remiscent of Pauillac tempered by a rare grace. It's as if one can taste the microclimate whispers through its nuanced earthiness, touched with hints of cedar and ripe blackcurrants, making it truely emblematic of its extraordinary terroir.
The finish is persistent, hinting towards that ever-desirable promise of longevity. That said, it already unfurls with a certain openness that beckons further exploration—and reassures investment-minded enthusiasts that its peak pleasure is not confined to a distant horizon.
In summation, the 2008 Forts de Latour exemplifies a wine sculpted by its year's climatic tapestry. With careful decanting, this Pauillac treasure reveals a varied palate narrative—one chapter herbaceous and vigorous, another plush with matured fruit—framed by a structured tannic presence. A discerning addition to any investor's portfolio, indeed.
Current market price
$3,154.98
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
157.5
Scores and tasting notes
Caramel and flowers and currants and berries on the nose. Full and velvety with a good density and lots of fruity elegance and balance. Very pretty. Give it four years of bottle age please.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Les Forts de Latour 2008 has a vivacious, almost exotic bouquet with macerated dark cherries, kirsch, dried orange peel and a hint of mint. The palate has a sweet, succulent entry with good substance, a little chewy in the mouth with a little more extraction than its peers. It has an attractive, almost weightless finish. Very fine. Tasted January 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012
A strong effort, this 2008 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, more minerality than the 2010 and hints of cedarwood, black currants, underbrush and forest floor. This round, generous blend of 66.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33.5% Merlot should easily last for two decades or more.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194
Tasted at the château, the Les Forts de Latour 2008, a late cellar release from the estate, has a very delineated bouquet with blackberry, black truffle and cedar aromas the gently unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a feisty entry, touches of white pepper, graphite and bell pepper on the entry that neatly complement the black fruit, which dovetails into a poised, minty finish. This is an excellent Les Forts de Latour that should age easily over the next 10-15 years. Tasted June 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016