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

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This classified growth is a model family estate, with all the Kressmann children displaying an almost filial attachment to their heritage and very sound management. The red wine has gained greatly in tannin finesse and texture elegance. The wines are classic, with an emphasis on fruit, tannin quality, and freshness. Under the leadership of the highly talented and rigorous Valérie Vialard, the white wines are flawless, precise, aromatic, and perfectly lively.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

True to the tradition of the vintage, this wine proudly displays its character. First through its impressive black color; then through the freshness and complexity of its bouquet, opening with pure fruitiness that blends perfectly with the wood. The palate is the final convincing touch: very elegant, full-bodied, with very fine tannins, well-balanced oak and a lingering fruitiness. Time will be on its side. 2026-2032

About the estate:

While many of the big names in Bordeaux wine trading chose to set up in the Médoc, the Kressmanns opted for the Graves region and this vineyard, acquired in 1930, which owes its name to a tower adorning its courtyard, a remnant of a castle built in the 12th century by Montesquieu's ancestors. A beautiful 50-hectare estate 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 wine:

Cabernet Sauvignon (72%) gives the wine its aromatic finesse and elegant structure. The decision to increase the proportion of this grape variety, which has been noticeable since 2014, has proved successful. The palate remains velvety, with a sunny character that rounds off the finish, but this wine stands out as one of the most invigorating and distinguished of the vintage.

About the estate:

This is a fine example of a family estate, still owned by the Kressmanns, a historic family of Bordeaux wine merchants. Tristan and Loïc Kressmann are now at the helm of this classified growth, which enjoys an excellent location on the Martillac plateau. Each generation has respected the heritage handed down to them, while making progress in vineyard management and winemaking with their cellar master, Valérie Vialard. The château inaugurated a new winery for red wines with the 2019 vintage. Without succumbing to passing fads, the wines have retained their elegant and precise style, while gaining in density. This very convincing balance between tradition and modernity, as well as the particularly distinguished character of the latest vintages, lead us to award Latour-Martillac a second star.

James Suckling

About 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 best young bottles ever produced here. Best after 2025.

Jeb Dunnuck

About wine:

I loved the Château Latour-Martillac 2019, and I underestimated it in the barrel. It reveals a dense ruby/plum color and a magnificent bouquet of blackcurrant, black cherry, smoked tobacco, gravelly earth, and chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with a round and layered texture, supple tannins, and an exceptional finish. It is beautifully crafted and can be stored 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 wine:

A nose of blue fruits, with notes of dark chocolate and Indian spices (cardamom and blackcurrant). The palate, smooth and sophisticated, reveals more mineral and vanilla notes, and a deliciously chalky and crisp texture. A very successful wine.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About wine:

The nose is marked by dried flowers, blackberries, black cherries, tobacco, smoke, and a hint of cocoa. The wine is delicate, refined, elegant, and richly textured with layers of ripe, sweet, supple, and ripe black red fruits. There is length, elegance, and purity. It should age well. Drink between 2025 and 2040.