Château Latour-Martillac 2019

La Tour Martillac has been owned and managed by the Kressmann family since the late 19th century and now under the stewardship of Tristan and Loïc Kressmann.

The tower that gives its name to this estate is all that remains of the 12th century fortification. The reds are typically a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (59%), Merlot (35%) and Malbec (6%). The whites are produced from Semillon (60%), Sauvignon Blanc (35%) and Muscasdelle (5%)

The wines have continued to improve in quality with the aid of some top Bordeaux consultants. Famously the gold and black label dates back to 1929, designed specifically for a bottle served in 1936 for the coronation of George Vl

The year 2019 was marked by a succession of climatic events which made this vintage quite technical. After an early budbreak, we had a cold and wet Spring which led to a late flowering of the vines. This took place in rather cool and rainy weather leading to coulure and millerandage, most notably on some plots of Merlot. The heat wave then took over at the end of June with a particularly hot and dry July. The vineyard resisted rather well to the drought and to the hydric stress which rapidly took hold. The unexpected rain at the end of July enabled the full completion of veraison.
The cool nights of early September preserved the aromas and the freshness in the grapes and ensured a perfect state of health. The red harvest took place in ideal climatic conditions from mid-September for the Merlot. The light rains in mid-September allowed a slow and perfect ripeness of the Cabernet Sauvignon which was entirely vinified in the new vat room and which represents more than 2/3 of the blend.

The final blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon ; 20% Merlot ; 8% Petit Verdot with the wine ageing for 14 months in 40% new oak barrels.

The color of this wine, with sparkling reflections, is intense and deep. Its complex nose combines black fruits (blackcurrant, black cherry, blueberry) and smoky notes of the terroir, with a touch of spice and pepper. The attack, soft and silky, evolves towards a full and harmonious mouth. A nice balance between tannins and freshness, which develops through a very nice length.