After an unimpressive bottle some years ago this one was a reconciliation. Noble cedar and tobacco in the nose. Well structured and complex. Much finesse on the palate. Eucalyptus, roast aromas, tobacco, licorice, sous-bois, framed by fine cedar and phenolic notes. Remaining tannins suggest another 5+ years of ageing potential, but already very enjoyable now. I bought it for EUR 27 at that time!
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Leather, ripe black plums, tobacco, clove, cumin and river stones on a generous bouquet. So classic nose from a matured Pauillac. The ripe fruits are surrounded by barnyard notes, minerals and toasted spices. Medium-bodied mid-palate on a rounded and open structure. Finish is rich, elegant and deep. At its peak now, drinking well for the next 2-3 years.
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Christmas wine. Beautiful nose, flowers, spice, earth, bright red fruits. Opened about 1.5 hours before drinking, no decant. Still a very powerful wine, great fruit, nice secondary and tertiary flavours, great depth and very long finish. The overall lack of sediment leads me to believe there is still life left in this wine. But I wouldn’t hesitate to drink now. Great wine! What a treat. Merry Christmas!
94
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Low neck fill. Lovely garnet color in glass with obvious bricking. Nice mature Bordeaux bouquet. Just enough fruit on palate but fading. Moderate dusty tannins. Particles of sediment. A faded flower. Probably 5 years past peak so drink up!
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Mid ruby. Lots going on on the nose- light black currant, cedar but noticeable green and red pepper which was just about in check. Mid weight an,d palate not nearly as good as the nose. Ready to drink, mid length slightly lacking in ripe fruit but still very satisfying with a good steak at hone.
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Been sitting on this for a while (bought as futures) and has paid off hansomely. Classic big Bordeaux and for a 2nd label no complaints. Large nose with figs and berries and still some tannic harness but approachable without decanting. Open (in bottle) for 1 hour before drinking. Better with rich foods or red meat. Had w filet w catmelized onions, mushrooms potatoes. And chocolate cake dessert. Delicious
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Served blind @Vinbaren 28+, Gothenburg Very green on the nose, tannic, high acidity, not that much giong on. I was amazed this was almost 20 years old, my guess was atleast 10 years younger.
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A little of the old nose (wet wool but pleasant)charcoal smooth low alcohol ie no burn. I am afraid I am attempting to write notes as we finish the bottle. W filet and mushrooms.
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Drinking very well! Very enjoyable from the get-go. Minerals, pencil lead, leather, pipe tobacco, dark cherry, good fruit/acid balance, a bit hollow mid-palate. I'd drink within the next two years. One finishes the bottle wistfully...
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Decanted 1h and half before sipping. Upon opening, big nose of led pencil and balanced oak. Color was dark red, looked mature. Very elegant on the palate, with wood, menthol, liquirice, and leather. Medium to full bodied. medium-long aftertaste. Drunk alone in my baloon in a sunny August saturday at La Thuile, Valle d'Aosta. Memorable. but probably not worth its price.
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Robe rubis foncé avec des traces d'évolution sur le pourtour. Nez sur des notes d'automne, petits fruits rouges, cuir, un peu de cèdre. En bouche, c'est ample, sur des notes d'épices, beaux fruits rouges, les tannins sont racés et bien présents, on perçoit une belle structure, ça coule tout seul, la finale est appréciable Première expérience avec ce vin et j'ai bien apprécié. Toutefois pour la différence de prix, Le Pauillac est peut-être une meilleure alternative. 92-93.
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Bought on release. Decanted 4hrs. Upon opening, big nose of led pencil and some modest red fruit. Color was very dark red, looked mature but not over the hill, just modest bricking at the rim. Very elegant on the palate. Good balance. Modestly long finish with good complexity. Textbook Pauillac. After decanting, the wines becomes slightly more integrated but not a lot better. This wine is ready to go, Will age 5+ more years, but why wait. Can't wait to try my 03's.
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Daughter's first birthday wine and so very fitting! Drank from magnum and served initially with Roast Lamb and Cake-smoked potatoes, and later in the evening with a lot of cheese. Very good, impressive - would have benefitted from further breathing and even more cellaring i'm sure. Was the last one and very sad to see it go.
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Drank at Balthazar restaurant in Basel. Lots of green bell pepper and very dense and round. Probably needs a few more years in the cellar, but I'm not sure it will ever develop much complexity.
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Lots of barnyard on the nose, along with some black currant. Good mouthfeel, lots of currant on the palate. Medium-bodied and pleasant, but certainly not worth $100.
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Bright, ruby and young looking in appearance. Lots of red fruits on the nose, including cherry, candy, cranberry. The palate was interesting, with wood, menthol, liquirice, petroleum. Soft and very well balanced. Smoothe with long finish.
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Sensational, rich, deep, nuanced, cedary and slightly autumnal nose. Rich dark mulberry fruit with bright, spicy highlights and graphite edginess, and a lingering but pure aftertaste. Memorable.
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Wonderful - structured and deep and full of Pauillacey goodness. Enjoyed with slow roasted leg of lamb which had been marinaded in lemon juice and stuffed with shallots and rosemary. My favourite wine of a very good evening.
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really lovely wine...nose is a bit subdued, wonderful classic flavors and mouthfeel...very soft tannins, just enough acidity to give refreshment, ready to roll. Wish I had more.
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History: When the heirs of Marquis de Segur sold 75% of Chateau Latour to Harveys of Bristol and Hallminster Limited, the new owners embarked upon a rennovation that included extending the vineyard with two plots comprising 12.5 hectares outside the original 47 hectacre "l'Enclos" property surrounding the Chateau. The grapes from the new plots, grapes from vines less than 12 years old in the Grand Enclos, and certain demoted vats of Latour's Grand Vin are used to produce the Les Forts de Latour. This wine is widely regarded to be the best of the Bordeaux second labels. Average annual production is about 150,000 cases, or 37% of Latour's total production. The Forts is 70% cabernet and 30% merlot and is aged in 50% new barrels and 50% one vintage barrels for 18 months.
Vintage: 1998 Medoc wines are plagued by high tannin and under-ripe cabernet. An extremely hot and dry August produced shriveled, thick skinned grapes. Rains in early September helped the grapes restart their maturation process, and merlot in the Medoc, Pomerol, and St. Emillion were harvested under ideal conditions as the rains cleared in mid September. However, heavy rains returned in late September and continued through the end of the Medoc cabernet harvest in mid October leaving winemakers struggling between waiting for the cabernet to fully ripen and watching nearly daily rain take its toll.
The wine: Red color not as deep as would have expected given the characteristics of the 1998 growing season. The nose of wet earth and blackberries is present but I feel like it needs to be coaxed out of the glass. A pleasant but relatively thin entry. The finish is short and astringent. There is just not much depth to the fruit here. I am disappointed with this wine.
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10/13/2023 - CarpeDiem! Likes this wine: 93 Points
After an unimpressive bottle some years ago this one was a reconciliation. Noble cedar and tobacco in the nose. Well structured and complex. Much finesse on the palate. Eucalyptus, roast aromas, tobacco, licorice, sous-bois, framed by fine cedar and phenolic notes. Remaining tannins suggest another 5+ years of ageing potential, but already very enjoyable now. I bought it for EUR 27 at that time!
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3/2/2023 - omenamayor@gmail.com Likes this wine: 95 Points
Amazing
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4/23/2022 - Psdycp wrote: 92 Points
Leather, ripe black plums, tobacco, clove, cumin and river stones on a generous bouquet. So classic nose from a matured Pauillac. The ripe fruits are surrounded by barnyard notes, minerals and toasted spices. Medium-bodied mid-palate on a rounded and open structure. Finish is rich, elegant and deep. At its peak now, drinking well for the next 2-3 years.
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2/11/2022 - Burgundy Al wrote: 88 Points
1989-2000 Top Bordeaux with Pizza (Schur House - Riverwoods IL): Single blind 1989-2000 Bordeaux. Tight and backward, slightly musty start made some think cork. While that dissipated, the fullness of great Bordeaux never emerged.
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10/31/2021 - RTP Likes this wine:
Probably done and waning. Still bright and tannic on opening though. Will report later after an hour.
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12/25/2020 - bordeaux456 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Christmas wine. Beautiful nose, flowers, spice, earth, bright red fruits. Opened about 1.5 hours before drinking, no decant. Still a very powerful wine, great fruit, nice secondary and tertiary flavours, great depth and very long finish. The overall lack of sediment leads me to believe there is still life left in this wine. But I wouldn’t hesitate to drink now. Great wine! What a treat. Merry Christmas!
94
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11/14/2020 - MichielV wrote: 92 Points
W flank steak from grill. Yummy all around. Very good bdx with phenomenal freshness and decent length. Dont wait, enjoy a typical bdx!
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11/5/2020 - hadlieh2 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Spectacular. Great color minimal mineral nose. Opened about an hour before pour. Grilled Tenderloin w mushrooms and onions - perfect match
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5/12/2020 - 41hijinx Likes this wine: 88 Points
Low neck fill. Lovely garnet color in glass with obvious bricking. Nice mature Bordeaux bouquet. Just enough fruit on palate but fading. Moderate dusty tannins. Particles of sediment. A faded flower. Probably 5 years past peak so drink up!
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3/7/2020 - dchain Likes this wine: 90 Points
Mid ruby. Lots going on on the nose- light black currant, cedar but noticeable green and red pepper which was just about in check. Mid weight an,d palate not nearly as good as the nose. Ready to drink, mid length slightly lacking in ripe fruit but still very satisfying with a good steak at hone.
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12/31/2019 - hadlieh2 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Been sitting on this for a while (bought as futures) and has paid off hansomely. Classic big Bordeaux and for a 2nd label no complaints. Large nose with figs and berries and still some tannic harness but approachable without decanting. Open (in bottle) for 1 hour before drinking. Better with rich foods or red meat. Had w filet w catmelized onions, mushrooms potatoes. And chocolate cake dessert. Delicious
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3/30/2017 - thunberg wrote: 87 Points
Served blind @Vinbaren 28+, Gothenburg
Very green on the nose, tannic, high acidity, not that much giong on. I was amazed this was almost 20 years old, my guess was atleast 10 years younger.
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1/21/2017 - hadlieh2 Likes this wine: 92 Points
A little of the old nose (wet wool but pleasant)charcoal smooth low alcohol ie no burn. I am afraid I am attempting to write notes as we finish the bottle. W filet and mushrooms.
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10/2/2015 - hitechnomad Likes this wine: 95 Points
Drinking very well! Very enjoyable from the get-go.
Minerals, pencil lead, leather, pipe tobacco, dark cherry, good fruit/acid balance, a bit hollow mid-palate. I'd drink within the next two years. One finishes the bottle wistfully...
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3/29/2015 - mygrogro wrote: 96 Points
earthy barn yard jam bouquet
smokey raisin mid point
dark chocolate raisin finish
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8/6/2012 - olracx62 wrote: 94 Points
Decanted 1h and half before sipping. Upon opening, big nose of led pencil and balanced oak. Color was dark red, looked mature. Very elegant on the palate, with wood, menthol, liquirice, and leather.
Medium to full bodied. medium-long aftertaste. Drunk alone in my baloon in a sunny August saturday at La Thuile, Valle d'Aosta. Memorable. but probably not worth its price.
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5/24/2012 - CellarBord wrote: flawed
Badly corked. Foul aroma.
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5/24/2012 - CellarBord wrote: 88 Points
Light fruit, surprisingly not earthy. At end of plateau. Drink up soon.
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10/13/2011 - mugginsthedog wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 2 hours. In an excellent place right now. Some fruit good persistency.
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7/28/2011 - steinersing wrote: 92 Points
At Paradies Hotel in Ftan from half bottle. Full-bodied and wonderfully structured. Expressive nose of dark fruit and nice length. Still a bit tight.
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4/9/2011 - Opusone99 wrote: 92 Points
Le vin titre 13%. RP88, WS87.
Robe rubis foncé avec des traces d'évolution sur le pourtour. Nez sur des notes d'automne, petits fruits rouges, cuir, un peu de cèdre. En bouche, c'est ample, sur des notes d'épices, beaux fruits rouges, les tannins sont racés et bien présents, on perçoit une belle structure, ça coule tout seul, la finale est appréciable Première expérience avec ce vin et j'ai bien apprécié. Toutefois pour la différence de prix, Le Pauillac est peut-être une meilleure alternative. 92-93.
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11/21/2009 - pawine wrote: 92 Points
Bought on release. Decanted 4hrs. Upon opening, big nose of led pencil and some modest red fruit. Color was very dark red, looked mature but not over the hill, just modest bricking at the rim. Very elegant on the palate. Good balance. Modestly long finish with good complexity. Textbook Pauillac. After decanting, the wines becomes slightly more integrated but not a lot better. This wine is ready to go, Will age 5+ more years, but why wait. Can't wait to try my 03's.
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3/24/2009 - lozatron wrote: 92 Points
Daughter's first birthday wine and so very fitting! Drank from magnum and served initially with Roast Lamb and Cake-smoked potatoes, and later in the evening with a lot of cheese. Very good, impressive - would have benefitted from further breathing and even more cellaring i'm sure. Was the last one and very sad to see it go.
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3/11/2009 - otisabdul wrote: 89 Points
Drank at Balthazar restaurant in Basel. Lots of green bell pepper and very dense and round. Probably needs a few more years in the cellar, but I'm not sure it will ever develop much complexity.
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2/16/2009 - delfino wrote:
BIG wine. Barnyard nose. Long. Lots going on, needs more time to come together. I enjoyed it but would wait if I had more.
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10/11/2008 - ziavino wrote: 89 Points
Lots of barnyard on the nose, along with some black currant. Good mouthfeel, lots of currant on the palate. Medium-bodied and pleasant, but certainly not worth $100.
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5/24/2008 - PC73 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bright, ruby and young looking in appearance.
Lots of red fruits on the nose, including cherry, candy, cranberry.
The palate was interesting, with wood, menthol, liquirice, petroleum.
Soft and very well balanced. Smoothe with long finish.
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4/13/2008 - igmacfarlane wrote:
Sensational, rich, deep, nuanced, cedary and slightly autumnal nose. Rich dark mulberry fruit with bright, spicy highlights and graphite edginess, and a lingering but pure aftertaste. Memorable.
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2/17/2008 - drunkstar wrote: 88 Points
barnyard nose....nicely put together claret.
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1/20/2008 - EGunderson wrote: 87 Points
Nothing substantial on the nose, some fruit and earth. Very smooth tasting, nice smoke and some fruit on the taste. Very little on the finish.
Decanted approximately one hour, no significant change after one hour in the decanter (drank over three hours or so).
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12/31/2007 - lozatron wrote: 91 Points
Wonderful - structured and deep and full of Pauillacey goodness. Enjoyed with slow roasted leg of lamb which had been marinaded in lemon juice and stuffed with shallots and rosemary. My favourite wine of a very good evening.
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10/31/2006 - Robertito wrote:
really lovely wine...nose is a bit subdued, wonderful classic flavors and mouthfeel...very soft tannins, just enough acidity to give refreshment, ready to roll. Wish I had more.
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5/10/2005 - JDallas wrote:
History: When the heirs of Marquis de Segur sold 75% of Chateau Latour to Harveys of Bristol and Hallminster Limited, the new owners embarked upon a rennovation that included extending the vineyard with two plots comprising 12.5 hectares outside the original 47 hectacre "l'Enclos" property surrounding the Chateau. The grapes from the new plots, grapes from vines less than 12 years old in the Grand Enclos, and certain demoted vats of Latour's Grand Vin are used to produce the Les Forts de Latour. This wine is widely regarded to be the best of the Bordeaux second labels. Average annual production is about 150,000 cases, or 37% of Latour's total production. The Forts is 70% cabernet and 30% merlot and is aged in 50% new barrels and 50% one vintage barrels for 18 months.
Vintage: 1998 Medoc wines are plagued by high tannin and under-ripe cabernet. An extremely hot and dry August produced shriveled, thick skinned grapes. Rains in early September helped the grapes restart their maturation process, and merlot in the Medoc, Pomerol, and St. Emillion were harvested under ideal conditions as the rains cleared in mid September. However, heavy rains returned in late September and continued through the end of the Medoc cabernet harvest in mid October leaving winemakers struggling between waiting for the cabernet to fully ripen and watching nearly daily rain take its toll.
The wine: Red color not as deep as would have expected given the characteristics of the 1998 growing season. The nose of wet earth and blackberries is present but I feel like it needs to be coaxed out of the glass. A pleasant but relatively thin entry. The finish is short and astringent. There is just not much depth to the fruit here. I am disappointed with this wine.
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