Château Lespault Martillac 2018
Château Lespault Martillac is a historic estate in Martillac, at the heart of the Pessac Léognan appellation, now entrusted to the care of Olivier Bernard's team, who also leads Domaine de Chevalier. The vineyard rests on superb deep gravel mixed with clay, which ensures ideal drainage while retaining a precious water reserve during hot summers. This mosaic of soils offers a terroir perfectly suited to Bordeaux grape varieties, particularly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which gain finesse, aroma, and length here. Vineyard management is increasingly oriented towards viticulture respectful of living things, with precise soil work and careful observation of the vine's cycles. Lespault Martillac's red wines are distinguished by a style that is both modern and classic, combining the typical depth of Pessac Léognan with great drinkability. The 2018 vintage fully illustrates this identity, in a rich, ripe, and perfectly structured register.
Château Lespault Martillac 2018 red comes from high-density planted vines, hand-harvested at perfect maturity to preserve the integrity of the berries. After rigorous sorting, the grapes are vinified parcel by parcel, allowing a tailored vinification of each lot according to its personality. Fermentations are conducted gently to extract color, aromas, and tannins without harshness, seeking balance rather than over-concentration. Aging then takes place in French oak barrels, with a measured proportion of new wood, to bring complexity, soft spices, and silky texture without masking the fruit. The 2018 vintage, marked by beautiful maturity and a bright end of season, produces a fleshy, ample wine, yet held by a well-present freshness. The blend, dominated by Merlot complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, composes a harmonious profile, accessible in its youth while offering real aging potential.
On tasting, Château Lespault Martillac 2018 shows a deep ruby robe with garnet reflections. The nose opens on a bouquet of ripe black fruits, blackcurrant and blackberry, enhanced by notes of cherry, violet, graphite, and a slight elegant toastiness from aging. On the palate, the attack is supple and generous, driven by a juicy Merlot that brings flesh and roundness, then the structure tightens around fine and tight tannins, a signature of Cabernet on gravel. The flavors blend black fruits, soft spices, a smoky touch, and a hint of cocoa that adds complexity to the mid-palate. The finish is long, flavorful, fresh, with a return to the fruits and a slightly mineral sensation that invites the next sip. At the table, this 2018 ideally accompanies a grilled rib steak, duck breast, herb-crusted rack of lamb, roast veal, or aged pressed cheeses.
Grape varieties: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
