WA96: 2009 had a very hot, dry summer with a little rain in mid to late September. The wines are rich, opulent and generously fruited, approachable when young, though they have the substance to age beautifully. This is no exception. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 Les Forts de Latour is very spicy on the nose, strutting star anise, fenugreek and cumin seed notions over a core of crème de cassis, violets, plum preserves and blueberry compote with a waft of camphor. The palate is full-bodied, rich, opulent and wonderfully velvety in the mouth with a very long, multilayered finish.