Les Forts De Latour Pauillac 2012

Winery Notes
The vineyards of the Chateau Latour have been producing wines since the 16th century. Today, the vineyards in production cover 80 hectares, including 48 around the chateau, known as the "Enclos." This Enclos consists of a ridge that peaks at 16 meters above the level of the Gironde, bordered to the north and to the south by two streams and to the east by the "Palus" alluvial land along the Gironde. The grape varietals planted on the estate, typical of the Medoc, consist of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Chateau Latour produces three different wines: Grand Vin, Forts de Latour and Pauillac de Chateau Latour. All of them receive the same meticulous care and dedication. The first vintage of Forts de Latour was in 1966 and constant work in the vineyard and in the cellars has resulted in achieving the level of a top Medoc classified growth.

---

Tasting Notes
The color is dark with a beautiful intensity.The nose is fruity, refined, ripe and extremely expressive. On the palate, the wine is rounded and smooth, spicy and very aromatic. It evolves pleasurably towards a delicious finale with fine tannins.

---

Vintage Notes

---

Vineyard Notes

---

Winemaking Notes
Chateau Latour harvested its Merlot between September 24 and October 4, and most of the crop ended up in Les Forts de Latour and Pauillac. The Cabernet Sauvignon was picked between October 5 and 16, the Cabernet Franc on October 8 (obviously a wet harvest), and the Petit Verdot on October 12. The 2012 Latour, which is off the market as a wine future until the Pinault family and Frederic Engerer agree on when to release it (probably 7-8 years from now), is a blend of 90.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.6% Merlot and the rest a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot. Only 36% of the crop was utilized in the grand vin, which achieved 12.8% natural alcohol.