Chateau Latour-Martillac Lagrave-Martillac Pessac-Leognan 2018

Drink today or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant before drinking.

Like many estates in France, Château Latour-Martillac is one with a rich history in the Bourdeaux region. Its name comes from a tower which stands in the main courtyard and is a remnant of a fort built in the 12th century by the ancestors of Montesquieu. Stones from the fort were later used to build the existing château at the end of the 18th century. Inspired by a gravelly hilltop with ideal exposure, Edouard Kressmann grafted a plot of vineyard in 1884. Edouard’s oldest son, Alfred, took over the property in 1930 and applied the name Château LaTour-Martillac so as not to be confused with the Medoc famed Château Latour. Three generations and nearly 30 hectares later, the vineyards for red wines are comprised of classic Bourdeaux varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

The Lagrave-Martillac Pessac-Léognan is a Cabernet driven blend followed by Merlot with just a touch of Petit Verdot. The nose opens up to a rich bouquet of black fruits, tobacco leaf, and leather with notes of walnut, and an earthy spiciness. Having spent 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, the palate is round and plush, with powerful yet silky tannins and an applied balance of acid and complexity. Vanilla, clove, dark cherry, and coffee are signature flavors. This wine demonstrates long ageability and pairs well with hearty meat dishes, aged cheeses, mushroom truffle, and duck breast.