Latour has long produced one of Bordeaux's greatest second wines. The beautiful, pure, deep purple-colored 1999 Forts de Latour reveals sweet, cedary, cassis scents, medium to full body, ripe tannin, and a long finish. It should drink well for 15+ years.

The 1999 Les Forts de Latour was cropped at 38hl/ha. It is noticeably deep in color with just faint signs of bricking on the rim. It offers an impressive array of aromas: raspberry preserve, wild strawberry, cedar and light tobacco scents, probably more intense than I would anticipate after 20 years. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, quite tensile opening. There is a little more sharpness here compared to the 1989 Les Fort de Latour, and slightly higher acidity (at a surprising pH of 3.73). The compact but lively finish reveals hints of charcoal and tobacco. This is aging very gracefully – quite punchy compared to the 1989 yet thoroughly enjoyable. www.vinous.com

Full deep red. Aromas of redcurrant, cedar and licorice. Lush, sweet and harmonious; boasts the round, silky texture of the better '99s. Finishes with lush tannins and excellent length. Very successful for the year.

Pretty tobacco and berry, with hints of cedar. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Slightly austere. James Suckling