Parker about Chateau Latour Les Forts 1996
The 1996 Les Forts de Latour has a deep garnet color with just a thin rim of bricking on the rim. The bouquet is fully mature but demonstrated good fruit concentration after 20 years, mulberry, red plum, plenty of cloves and an almost garrigue-like scent. The palate does not quite have the charm of the nose, the tannins a little brusque and perhaps compared to this deuxième vin today, without the finesse and then it just tapers towards a cedar-infused finish. Drink bottles now and over the next 10 years.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux-Pauillac |
Rebsorten | Cabernet Sauvignon 73% Merlot 27% |
Alkoholgehalt | 13.00% |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Château Latour, Saint Lambert, 33250 Pauillac, France |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2008 - 2036 |
Parker Punkte | 88 |
Jahrgang | 1996 |
Bordeaux-Pauillac, France 🇫🇷
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Chateau Latour Les Forts 1996

Château Latour Les Forts de Latour 1996 is a classic Bordeaux wine from the Pauillac appellation, renowned for its structure, elegance, and longevity. The 1996 vintage is considered one of the finest of the 1990s, particularly in Pauillac, where the wines display exceptional balance and depth.
The wine presents a deep ruby red color, developing subtle garnet reflections with increasing maturity. The nose unfolds a complex bouquet dominated by ripe blackcurrants, blackberries, and plums. These ripe fruit aromas are accompanied by elegant notes of cedarwood, tobacco, and a hint of pencil lead, giving the wine a classic Pauillac character. Subtle hints of leather, dried herbs, and earthy tones are also evident, lending the wine additional depth and complexity.
On the palate, Les Forts de Latour 1996 is powerful yet smooth, with firm, well-integrated tannins that give the wine impressive structure. The fruit flavors are dense and concentrated, supported by lively acidity that provides freshness and balance. Notes of dark chocolate, mocha, and subtle toasted aromas add additional layers of complexity, while mineral accents further refine the wine.
The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of ripe fruit, spices, and an elegant spiciness that linger on the palate. The 1996 vintage is now in an excellent drinking window, but also shows the potential to evolve even further and offer an outstanding drinking experience for many years to come.
Château Latour Les Forts de Latour 1996 is a wine of exceptional quality that impressively embodies the finesse and power of Pauillac. Ideal for special occasions or as a companion to fine dishes such as lamb, beef, or aged cheeses, it offers an unforgettable drinking experience for lovers of classic Bordeaux wines.