(93–95 points) Barrel Sample. There is a velvet touch to this smooth, rounded wine. With some dark tannins as well as blackberry fruits, it is rich with some concentration. At the same time, the acidity shoots through the wine to give a really fruity aftertaste. ROGER VOSS

On the nose you get a full array of floral aromatics, and a gorgeous exuberance. The gourmet edge that is never far away from the surface in the 2015 vintage is very much in play, along with touches of truffle, cigar box and an earthy openness even at six years old. A smoked caramel note comes in on the end, as does a hit of mouthwatering salinity. It's not as intense as Forts in vintages like 2010 or 2016 but it has an ease to it that is hugely appealing, and can be drunk from now and for at least another 15 years. 0.5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend (the last vintage to contain even a slice of this grape, as it has now been pulled up). 40% of overall production.

The true second wine of the estate is the 2015 Les Forts De Latour and it's slightly more Cabernet dominated with 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, and then less than one percent each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. This ripe, sunny vintage delivered loads of terrific wines and the 2015 reveals a vivid purple/opaque color as well as fabulous cassis and jammy currant fruits intermixed with lots of cedarwood, leafy herbs, earth, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and nicely structured, it has a wealth of fruit, building yet sweet tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. This is a stunning Les Forts de Latour that can be drunk today or cellared for 20-25 years or more.

Chocolate coated currants, cigar box, flowers and tobacco leaf come through easily on the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium/full-bodied, concentrated, firm, fresh, juicy and lively, with a creamy textured, sweet, aristocratic, Pauillac, red currant packed finish. This should age and evolve for another 15-20 more years. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2015&wine=Les%20Forts%20de%20Latour

(94+ points) Composed of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.9% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Les Forts de Latour needs a fair bit of air to unlock a profound, powerhouse nose of blackcurrant cordial, boysenberries, plum preserves and dark chocolate, with suggestions of Chinese five spice, clove oil, violets and crushed rocks. The palate packs an absolute flavor wallop, bursting with rich, ripe black fruits and loads of spicy sparks, while framed by beautifully plush tannins, finishing long and minerally. Not at all heavy, on the contrary, the Les Forts is both expansive AND tantalizingly refreshing. In terms of evolution, it has barely budged since I last tasted it in 2017. While it's drinking very well right now, it easily has a good 20 years of cellaring ahead, maybe more. Impressive.

Made from 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, 0.9% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% Cabernet France, the 2015 Les Forts de Latour is deep garnet in color. It springs with bold notions of warm cassis, stewed plums, and boysenberry preserves, leading to wafts of charcuterie, Indian spices, and fragrant earth. The medium-bodied palate is both confident and elegant with expressive black fruits and spicy layers plus a plush, very fine-grained texture, finishing with a refreshing lift.

The 2015 Les Forts de Latour has a lovely nose, with very pure black cherry, raspberry, violet and light cassis scents unfolding with every swirl. The palate is medium-bodied with plush tannins and a velvety smooth texture but the acidity keeps this poised. It has impressive precision and judicious spiciness on the finish. This is a sophisticated and enticing Pauillac. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners. -- Neal Martin

Charm and precision, slate scrape texture, finely boned tannins that disguise a punch through the mid palate, an enjoyable Les Forts that is ready to go. Good quality, not the intensity of the 2016, but keeps the concentrated cassis and cocoa bean signature that makes this such a brilliant wine. Hélène Genin technical director.

Very pure and focused, with black currant and black cherry fruit flavors showing lovely freshness, while light graphite, singed black tea leaf and violet hints check in through the silky finish. Best from 2019 through 2032. — JM