Château LATOUR-MARTILLAC 2019
In Martillac, in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, Château Latour-Martillac belongs to the Classified Crus of Graves and benefits from a vineyard spread over gravelly hills overlooking the Garonne valley. Owned by the Kressmann family since 1930, the estate cultivates an identity based on the balance between structure, freshness, and expression of the terroir. The gravelly soils, mixed with clay and sand depending on the plots, are particularly suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon, while Merlot brings more flesh and suppleness. Petit Verdot completes the blend with a spicier touch and additional depth. The warm and bright 2019 vintage benefited from a favorable end of the season allowing regular ripening of the Cabernets. This generous year produced grapes that were rich yet fresh enough to preserve the precision expected from a great Pessac-Léognan. Latour-Martillac 2019 thus stands out for its deep matter, beautiful aromatic clarity, and still youthful structure.
The vintage blend is based on a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone of the wine, with notes of blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, and fine spices. Merlot enriches the mid-palate with a rounder, fleshier texture, while Petit Verdot enhances the color and spicy relief. The different plots are vinified separately to preserve their personality before composing the final blend. Extractions are conducted with precision to accompany the vintage’s maturity without hardening the tannic grain. Aging in French oak barrels gradually refines the matter and contributes to the integration of woody nuances. Still young, the 2019 has enough depth and freshness to evolve harmoniously over many years.
The color shows a deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens with blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, accompanied by cedar, graphite, and licorice. With aeration, notes of blond tobacco, cocoa, sweet spices, and a slight smoky nuance characteristic of Graves reds gradually appear. The palate is ample and structured, with ripe and precise tannins that give depth without heaviness. The black fruit remains clear and generous, while persistent freshness maintains length through the finish. The finish extends on blackcurrant, spices, graphite, and a discreet smoky touch. Château Latour-Martillac 2019 will accompany roasted rack of lamb, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, pigeon, duck breast, or veal with morels.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
