Château Latour-Martillac Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

This cru classé is a model of family ownership, with all the Kressmann children showing an almost filial attachment to their estate and very sound management. The reds have gained in tannin finesse and textural elegance. The wines are classic, with the emphasis on fruit, tannin quality and freshness. Under the guidance of the very talented and rigorous Valérie Vialard, the whites are irreproachable, precise, aromatic and perfectly lively.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

True to the tradition of the cru, this wine proudly displays its character. Firstly, with its impressive black color; then with the freshness and complexity of its bouquet, open to pure fruitiness that blends perfectly with the wood. The palate is convincing: lots of elegance, volume, very fine tannins, well-adjusted oak and persistent fruit. Time will play in its favor. 2026-2032

About the domain :

While many of the great names of the Bordeaux wine trade have chosen to establish themselves in the Médoc, the Kressmanns have opted for the Graves and this cru, acquired in 1930, which owes its name to a tower adorning its courtyard, a vestige of a château built in the 12th century by ancestors of Montesquieu. This beautiful 50-hectare estate is renowned for both its white and red wines.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Cabernet Sauvignon (72%) lends the wine its aromatic finesse and elegant slenderness. The decision to increase the presence of this grape variety, which has been noticeable since 2014, is proving fruitful. The palate remains velvety, with a solar imprint that rounds out the finish, but this wine stands out as one of the most tonic and racy of the vintage.

About the domain :

This is a fine example of a family estate, still in the hands of the Kressmanns, a historic family of Bordeaux merchants. Today, Tristan and Loïc Kressmann are at the helm of this well-situated cru classé on the Martillac plateau. The different generations have respected the heritage handed down, while making progress in vineyard management and vinification with their cellar master, Valérie Vialard. The château inaugurated a new vinification cellar for red wines with the 2019 vintage. Without yielding to the siren calls of passing fashions, the wines have retained their elegant, precise style, but are gaining in density. This convincing balance between tradition and modernity, together with the particularly distinguished character of recent vintages, leads us to award Latour-Martillac a second star.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Delicate berries, spices, tobacco and dried rose petals. Full-bodied, with beautifully integrated tannins and a creamy, polished texture. Refined and complex. One of the finest young bottles ever produced here. Best after 2025.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

I loved the 2019 Château Latour-Martillac, and underestimated it in barrel. It reveals a dense ruby/plum color and a gorgeous bouquet of cassis, black cherry, smoky tobacco, gravelly earth and chocolate. On the palate, it's full-bodied and rich, with a round, layered texture, supple tannins and an exceptional finish. It is beautifully crafted and will keep for over 25 years in refrigerated cellars. It needs plenty of air if it is to be drunk soon. 2022-2048

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

A nose of blue fruits, with hints of dark chocolate and Indian spices (cardamom and blackcurrant). The palate is suave and sophisticated, revealing more mineral, vanilla notes and a deliciously chalky, crunchy texture. A very successful wine.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

The nose is marked by dried flowers, blackberries, black cherries, tobacco, smoke and a touch of cocoa. The wine is delicate, refined, elegant and richly textured with layers of soft, supple, ripe black red fruit. There's length, elegance and purity. Should age well. Drink between 2025 and 2040.