1989 Les Forts de Latour
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Tasting notes
The 1989 Les Forts de Latour is a vintage that I have never encountered before. At this time, it would have come almost entirely from the lieu-dit of Petit Batailley, over toward Haut-Batailley, plus a small number of younger vines from L’Enclos. It was cropped at 55hl/ha at the time. Quite deep in color with just thin bricking on the rim, it has a lovely bouquet of black plum, mint and light cedar scents. It feels very delineated and focused, though not powerful. The palate is medium-bodied and soy-tinged on the entry. This 1989 is well structured, harmonious and agile, with quite a long tail on the finish. At 30 years of age, the 1989 demonstrates just how well this wine repays those with the patience to cellar it. Tasted from an ex-cellar bottle at the château .
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Once past the bouquet of black fruits, cedar, and oak of the 1989, it is round, generously endowed, surprisingly supple (even for the second wine of Latour), low in acidity, with a fleshy, heady finish. Anticipated maturity: 1994-2004.
Big and hard, with compact plum, tobacco and cedar flavors and full, silky tannins. Try after 1999. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 1992.
Once past the bouquet of black fruits, cedar, and oak of the 1989, it is round, generously endowed, surprisingly supple (even for the second wine of Latour), low in acidity, with a fleshy, heady finish. Anticipated maturity: 1994-2004. Feb 1993, www.robertparker.com
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.