Latour Martillac Pessac Leognan 2016

A mild and very wet winter led to an early and even budbreak. The wet weather lasted all the way through Spring accompanied by some very cool temperatures. Miraculously, full flowering took place between the 7th and the 11th of June which was a 5-day period of lovely weather and relatively hot temperatures. These conditions encouraged a quick and uniform flowering followed by a good return of fruit. The midpoint of the colour change of the berries happened around the 10th of August, with excellent uniformity across all the grape varieties. Despite these unpredictable swings of Nature; the heat and the absence of rain, the vines could maintain a healthy foliage right up to the beginning of the harvest thanks both to the water reserves and to the ploughing of the plots. Harvesting started 8 days late. Light showers at the beginning of September and a lovely Indian summer during the picking meant that all the grape varieties achieved perfect ripeness and a healthy condition placing the 2016 vintage among the great vintages.

Tasting Notes

The Wine Advocate by Neal Martin – 92-94 pts (2017/04)

« The 2016 Latour-Martillac has an understated nose at first, but it unfurls and becomes quite a seductive Pessac-Léognan 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 (2017/04)

« Barrel Sample. 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 (2017/04)

« Layered flavors of boysenberry and raspberry confiture and notes of cassis and melted red licorice pump through, backed by a tarry finish that shows a slightly extracted feel. Maintains pretty good energy throughout. J.M. »