2021 Latour Martillac
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Light, fresh, citrus nose. Just a bit tart on the end but there is some fruit in the middle. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Château Latour-Martillac is a solid success in the vintage and is based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot that spent 16 months in French oak. Revealing medium-bodied richness and depth as well as good concentration, it has perfumed red, blue, and black fruits, some classic scorched earth, tobacco, and cedar pencil aromatics, ripe yet building tannins, and outstanding length. It’s clearly an outstanding wine that I suspect will shine for at least 10-15 years.
The 2021 Latour-Martillac is very understated on the nose and demands coaxing from the glass, revealing blackberry, forest floor, pencil box and hints of black olive. It is nicely composed with judicious use of new oak. The palate is medium-bodied, well-defined, taut and crisp. It has fine sapidity on the finish, though it just lacks sustain on the aftertaste. Drink it over the next 12 to 15 years.
The 2021 Latour-Martillac is a very pretty, open-knit wine. A burst of red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal, lavender, menthol and mocha makes a strong opening statement. All the elements are so well balanced. Silky tannins and floral overtones on the finish add to an air of refinement. The 2021 is understated and classy all the way.
About the producer
Owned and managed by the Kressman family, Latour-Martillac is one of the region’s most recognisable estates – with the eponymous tower standing proudly at its entrance. Its 50 hectares of vines produce benchmark Pessac.