The 2013 Latour is absolutely gorgeous. Of course, the 2013 is lighter in body than the norm here, but striking aromatics and silky tannins more than make up for that. A wine of total breed and class, the 2013 is a real pleasure to taste today. Naturally, the lighter structure of the year is impossible to escape. Even so, at eight years of age, the 2013 is just starting to show the first signs of aromatic nuance, and yet it remains a young wine. The spread of botrytis led to an early harvest, with the exception to some blocks on the western side of the enclos that were more resistant to conditions and were therefore picked later. This is a remarkable showing considering a little more than 2/3rds of the vineyards (for the Grand Vin) were farmed biodynamically back then. I can't wait to see how the 2013 ages. My opened bottle stayed fresh for a number of days. (AG)

An attractive wine, the 2013 Les Forts de Latour has turned out beautifully, even if it is a bit more angular than it was en primeur. Bright acids and sharp tannins give certain edginess that suggest the Forts de Latour might need more time, but then again, the 2013 probably doesn't have the stuffing to support more than medium term aging. Hints of sweet spice, herbs, leather, tobacco, grilled herbs, and menthol accent the nuanced finish. All in all, this is a very pretty 2013. The blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.

Medium to deep garnet with a slight, remaining hint of purple, the 2013 Les Forts de Latour (a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot) gives up earthy notions of mossy bark, underbrush and fertile loam with a core of warm red and black currants, dried mulberries and mincemeat pie, plus hints of potpourri and dried bay leaves. Medium-bodied, it delivers a lot of earthy/savory freshness with mineral nuances lifting the muscular red fruit core, finishing long and fragrant.

This has lots of lively pepper, bay and briar notes leading the way, followed by red and black currant fruit flavors that show good energy. The racy, herb-edged finish is on the tangy side, but this has the flesh for balance.

Tasted blind. Light notes of dark fruit. Dry and rather lean but at least it is not overoaked. (JH)