Les Forts de Latour 2001

Characteristics and tasting notes of Les Forts de Latour 2001

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals a beautiful dark red colour, reminiscent of a deep ruby with plum-coloured highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with scents of black cherry and vanilla. It then develops greater complexity with notes of ripe blackcurrant and black fruits, mingled with smoky, earthy and nutty touches, all delicately underscored by sweet spices.

Palate
The attack is rich and generous. The palate is fruity, fresh, pure and displays great finesse. The tannins are perfectly rounded and polished, offering a harmonious texture that extends into a very long, spicy and subtly bitter finish.

Food and wine pairing

This great wine pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled red meats, such as a rib of beef or a rack of lamb. It also elegantly accompanies game dishes, such as pigeon or venison fillet with mushrooms, as well as mature hard cheeses like aged Comté or Cantal.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate Les Forts de Latour 2001, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 17 to 18°C. It should be gently decanted around two hours before tasting. This very fine vintage is a wine for cellaring that has reached lovely maturity; it can be enjoyed now or kept a little longer to enjoy at its peak.

The elegance of a great Pauillac from Château Latour

The estate

Located in the Bordeaux region, the Château Latour vineyard was established around 1680, although the history of the site dates back to the Middle Ages. Ranked as a Premier Grand Cru Classé, this iconic Pauillac estate now belongs to François Pinault through his holding company Artémis. Under the direction of Frédéric Engerer, the estate has established itself as one of the most prestigious in the world. The château's identity is built on absolute rigour, meticulous selection, and a successful transition towards viticulture that respects its exceptional terroir.

The vineyard

The vines dedicated to this second wine thrive within the Pauillac appellation. They are mainly located around the historic Enclos, as well as on outlying plots spread across excellent classified growth sectors. These terroirs rest on sandy-gravelly soils and gravel, providing optimal drainage. The estate employs environmentally friendly methods, drawing on organic farming and biodynamic-inspired practices to preserve the natural balance of the soils and the vines.

The vintage

The year 2001 began with a cool, damp spring. The summer season was generally mild, with a sunny July despite a few storms. August proved dry, punctuated at times by violent stormy downpours. Finally, September brought cool temperatures, creating ideal conditions for a slow, gradual ripening of the berries. The harvest took place from 1 to 13 October, starting with the Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes and finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaking and ageing

Following manual harvesting and careful sorting, the grapes are destemmed and then crushed. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in vats over about three weeks, with tailored pump-overs and precise temperature control. Les Forts de Latour 2001 is then aged in French oak barrels, with the proportion of new oak ranging from 50 to 60%, allowing the wine's structure to be refined while preserving the brightness of the fruit.

Grape varieties

This wine is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot.