Wine Advisor
Les Forts de Latour 1983
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Quite soft and fully mature, with a hint of the famed Latour bouquet of minerals, walnuts, and black currants, this medium-bodied, round, moderately concentrated wine should be drunk over the next 5-7 years. It makes an interesting comparison with the enormously concentrated, more backward 1982. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 7/90.
About the Producer
Latour was a jointly held lord's domain until the end of the 16th century, At that time, the property was not entirely covered by vines and yet production largely exceeded requirements. There was no proper storage for the wine and it had to be drunk within the year. The estate remained in the hands of the Mullet family until the late 17th century, and while direct use of the land gradually replaced the leasing system, the wine-making situation changed very little. In the early 18th century, England's aristocracy and wealthy middle classes developed refined tastes, particularly for wine, from Bordeaux, Oporto, Jerez and other southern vineyards. Wine exports had been restricted by various blockades imposed by the wars, but now enjoyed a period of relative freedom and trade with Bordeaux grew rapidly. As a result of this flourishing trade, the estate gradually came to specialise in wine production, with 38 hectares of vines in 1759 and then 47 hectares by 1794.
1975(2)1976(1)1979(1)1981(1)1982(1)
Package Size
