Chateau Latour, one of Bordeaux’s oldest and most famous wine producers, is a First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. It’s located in Pauillac near the border with Saint-Julien.

Vines have existed on the property since the 14th century, but Chateau Latour first began producing wines of great quality in the early eighteenth century. The estate gradually came to specialize in wine production, with 38 hectares of vines in 1759 and 47 hectares in 1794.

The vineyard currently has 78 hectares in production. The grapes from the 47 hectares surrounding the chateau, known as “L’Enclos”, are used in the production of the Grand Vin. The 30 hectares outside of the Enclos are used for the Forts de Latour and the Pauillac wines. The estate is planted with about 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot on gravelly hilltops and clay subsoil.

The 2005 Les Forts de Latour, a Bordeaux Blend from the distinguished region of Pauillac, France, is an exquisite example of a second wine that performs with the grace and finesse of a grand vin. This enchanting red wine, produced by Les Forts de Latour, is a symphony of complex aromas and flavors, earning it high praise and impressive scores from some of the world's most respected wine critics.

The bouquet is a fascinating blend, opening with notes of blackberry coffee cedar and raisin, which gradually evolve into hints of licorice and fresh flowers. This refined sensory experience is heightened by the wine's full-bodied presence on the palate, marked by silky tannins that culminate in a long, lingering finish.

The palate is a vibrant canvas of currant, licorice, and mineral character, building to a powerful finish that leaves a memorable impression. Its balanced and juicy profile is further enhanced by a delightful freshness, with lively acidity that persists right to the end.

This dense and compacted wine is not only charming and sweet, but also boasts a neat, dry finish that is not at all demanding. With layers of raspberry, currant, and licorice, it is recommended that this wine be left for at least two or three years to truly appreciate its depth and complexity.

The 2005 Les Forts de Latour has been described as having a more complex bouquet compared to other wines in its category, with blackberries, wild strawberry, and floral scents that blossom in the glass. It is a medium-bodied wine with fine tannin, displaying great precision and intensity towards the finish that gently caresses the mouth.

In essence, this wine is of classified growth quality, revealing itself as a beautifully balanced, ripe, juicy black fruit-filled masterpiece. It's a testament to the art of winemaking, offering a wine experience that is truly unforgettable.