Parker about Château Latour Les Forts 2003
The 2003 Les Forts de la Tour possesses a dense ruby/plum/purple color in addition to notions of cold steel, lead pencil shavings, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied, opulent, heady, rich, and lush, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. What can one say about proprietor Francois Pinault and his manager, Frederic Engerer? A strong argument can be made that in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, Latour produced the wine of the vintage, although it has plenty of competition in the Northern Medoc in 2003. Furthermore, the bargains are the estate's least expensive cuvee, Pauillac, followed by Les Forts de Latour, Latour's second wine which continues to increase in quality.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux-Pauillac |
Rebsorten | Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 22% |
Alkoholgehalt | 12.70% |
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 | 2015 - 2040 |
Parker Punkte | 92 |
Jahrgang | 2003 |
Bordeaux-Pauillac, France 🇫🇷
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Château Latour Les Forts 2003

Château Latour Les Forts de Latour 2003 is a remarkable Bordeaux wine from the Pauillac appellation, known for its power, warmth, and concentration. The 2003 vintage in Bordeaux was challenging due to an unusually hot summer, but produced wines characterized by their opulent fruit and intense structure.
The wine displays a deep, dense ruby red color that is almost impenetrable. The nose unfolds with an intense and ripe bouquet dominated by luscious aromas of black currants, blackberries, and ripe plums. These powerful fruit notes are accompanied by hints of mocha, dark chocolate, and vanilla, enhanced by the oak aging. Additionally, subtle hints of cedarwood, tobacco, and a light spice lend the wine additional depth and complexity.
On the palate, Les Forts de Latour 2003 is powerful and full-bodied, with a dense, velvety tannin structure that lends the wine remarkable texture and longevity. The fruit flavors are rich and concentrated, supported by moderate acidity, which gives the wine freshness and balance despite its warmth. Notes of roasted coffee, spices, and a light minerality add further layers of complexity to the wine, ensuring a long, intense finish.
The finish is long, powerful, and persistent, characterized by deep fruit and spice notes that linger on the palate. The 2003 vintage is now in an excellent drinking window, but also offers the potential to develop and gain complexity over the next few years.
Château Latour Les Forts de Latour 2003 is a wine of impressive power and opulence, beautifully reflecting the warmth and maturity of the vintage. Perfect for special occasions or as a companion to hearty dishes such as braised beef, game, or aged cheeses, it offers an unforgettable drinking experience for lovers of great Bordeaux wines.