The 2009 Les Forts de Latour, a Bordeaux Blend originating from the eminent region of Bordeaux, France, is a red wine of unparalleled complexity and depth. It hails from the sub-region of Pauillac, a locale renowned for its production of high-quality, full-bodied reds. This particular wine, produced by Les Forts de Latour, is no exception.
Upon first glance, the wine presents a deep garnet color, indicative of its intensity and concentration. The closure is a traditional cork, preserving the 14.0% alcohol content and maintaining the integrity of the wine.
On the nose, this Les Forts de Latour offers a harmonious balance of minted chocolate and blackberry pie, intertwined with the intriguing aromas of sweaty leather and cast-iron pan. Hints of bay leaves and unsmoked cigars add to the olfactory tapestry, creating an alluring and invigorating bouquet.
Upon tasting, its medium to full-bodied profile is immediately apparent, laden with muscular black fruit preserves and savory layers. Its firm, grainy frame is complemented by a lovely freshness, culminating in a finish with a subtly minty kick.
Notably, its complexity is not limited to its flavors. Its texture is equally remarkable, with silky tannins that result in a wine that is both powerful and racy, yet elegant and balanced. Notably, the palate reveals a concentrated and complex wine, with a pleasingly spicy twist, notes of both red and black fruits, black pepper, and a hint of lead pencil.
The 2009 Les Forts de Latour has received a wealth of acclaim from esteemed wine critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and James Suckling awarded it a score of 95 and 96, respectively, while John Sweeney from JJ Buckley describes it as an 'exceptionally complex' wine. Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, too, commend its purity, precision and opulent blackberry jam flavors.
In sum, the 2009 Les Forts de Latour is a sophisticated, vibrant, and well-rounded Bordeaux blend, worth savoring in good company. It is a wine that truly encapsulates the elegance and intensity that the Bordeaux region is renowned for.