Chateau Latour-Martillac Grand Cru Class de Graves 2016 Single Bottle

Country: France Region:Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux

Category: Red Wine Style:DryVintage:2016

Varietal: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon; 32% Merlot; 8% Petit Verdot

Producer: Chateau Latour-Martillac

Description:

This excellent Graves estate takes its name from the medieval tower which still dominates the main courtyard of the chteau, a remnant of a fort built in the 12th century by the ancestors of French man of letters and political philosopher Montesquieu.

In 1871, the estate attracted the attention of Edouard Kressmann, who had just founded his wine merchant business in Bordeaux, seduced as he was by the quality of the white wines from the remarkable gravelly hilltop here. The blend created, and which Kressmanns company sold very successfully, was named Grave Monopole Dry. At that time the estate was known as Chteau Latour and in 1930 Edouards son Alfred, having inherited the family firm and faced with losing such a successful wine on the death of the estate's owner, set about acquiring it in the same year. Quickly he changed the name to avoid confusion with its more famous namesake in Pauillac and it became La Tour-Martillac and eventually Latour-Martillac.

It was Alfred who expanded the vineyard area from 12 hectares, and thanks to his hard work Chteau Latour-Martillac was elected to Grand Cru status in the Graves classification of 1953 and is one of only six properties in the Pessac-Lognan classified for both red and white wines.

Today six children of Alfreds successor, Jean Kressmann, own the property with the youngest Tristan and Loc managing affairs with the help of some of Bordeauxs finest consultants.

The Wine Advocate by Neal Martin 92-94 pts

The 2016 Latour-Martillac has an understated nose at first, but it unfurls and becomes quite a seductive Pessac-Lognan with ample blackberry and raspberry fruit, and a subtle hint of black olive. I admire the precision here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannin overlaid by blackberry and bilberry fruit, sea salt and black pepper. Showing excellent focus and abundant freshness on the finish, this is an assured and sophisticated Latour-Martillac that will give many years of pleasure.

Wine Enthusiast by Roger Voss 94-96 pts

This is a dense wine with dusty, ripe tannins balancing the concentrated blackberry fruit. It is powerful and solidly constructed, with bright acidity and touches of dark chocolate. Impressive and worth serious aging.

Wine Spectator by James Molesworth 90-93 pts

Layered flavours of boysenberry and raspberry confiture and notes of cassis and melted red liquorice pump through, backed by a tarry finish that shows a slightly extracted feel. Maintains pretty good energy throughout.

Tasting notes

The 2016 vintage has a lovely deep purple colour. A complex and elegant nose with ripe black fruit aromas (cassis liquor and black cherry), with delicate, spicy and floral notes. The palate is full, fleshy and dense. The tannins areboth powerful and rounded, with sweet hints of cherry liqueur and liquorice. Good length on the finish with anincredible freshness.

Food Suggestion:

Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.