The second wine seems to have picked up most of the Merlot from the Latour vineyards (31.5% Merlot and 66.5% Cabernet Sauvignon dominate the blend). The 2008 Les Forts de Latour is a forward, pure wine displaying remarkably sweet tannins along with aromas of black currants, forest floor, and a hint of underbrush. Opulent, round, and generous, it should drink well for 15-20 years, possibly longer given the fact that the 1982 Les Forts de Latour is still a beautiful wine, and it's "only" 27 years of age!

Deep red-ruby. Oaky aromas and flavors of sweet berries, licorice and spices. Silky and sweet on entry, then quite broad and suave in the middle, with ripe balancing acids giving shape to the wine's flavors. Finishes with broad, serious, building tannins and excellent length. A strong showing for this wine, which is built to age.

Caramel and flowers and currants and berries on the nose. Full and velvety with a good density and lots of fruity elegance and balance. Very pretty. Give it four years of bottle age please.

90-92 Barrel sample. Firm and austere, dark with tannins that come from a dry core, with high acid around. The fruit is juicy, but it is on the edgy, dry side. Unlike usual vintages of this wine, it seems to need aging.

Subtle aromas of currant and raspberry, with a minerally undertone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A little one-dimensional on the palate, but very good. Score range: 88-91 -JS