Château Latour-Martillac Pessac-Léognan rouge 2025 - Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Extremely elegant, with precise aromas and an integrated mineral character. The palate is round and refined, supported by ultra-fine tannins and great freshness. Long and classic, in the best sense of the word.

About the estate:

This classified growth is a model of a family-owned estate, with all the Kressmann children displaying an almost filial devotion to their heritage and a very sound management style. The red has gained significantly in tannin finesse and textural elegance. The wines are classic, with an emphasis on fruit, quality tannins, and freshness. Under the guidance of the highly talented and meticulous Valérie Vialard, the whites are impeccable, precise, aromatic, and perfectly lively.

Decanter

About the wine:

This wine displays a pleasant refinement, with crisp fruit and a beautifully balanced palate. Aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry come through clearly, complemented by subtle floral notes of violet, as well as hints of vanilla and a light note of eucalyptus leaf. The attack is supple and well-defined, with a hint of austerity at this stage that should integrate further with barrel aging (16 months, 35% new oak). There is an appealing interplay between red and black fruits, which gives the mid-palate a lively and airy character, supported by fine, velvety tannins that provide structure without heaviness. Despite the heat of the vintage, the wine retains a welcome freshness, bringing tension and precision. The finish is harmonious and clean, though not particularly long, yet remains elegant and well-balanced overall. 2030–2040

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

While many of the big names in the Bordeaux wine trade have chosen to establish themselves in the Médoc, the Kressmanns opted for the Graves region and this estate, acquired in 1930, which owes its name to a tower adorning its courtyard—a remnant of a château built in the 12th century by ancestors of Montesquieu. 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 the estate:

Here is a fine example of a family-owned estate, still in the hands of the Kressmanns, a historic family of Bordeaux wine merchants. Tristan and Loïc Kressmann are now at the helm of this cru classé, which enjoys a prime location on the Martillac plateau. Generation after generation has honored the legacy passed down to them, while making steady progress in vineyard management and winemaking under the guidance of their head winemaker, Valérie Vialard. The château inaugurated a new winemaking facility for red wines with the 2019 vintage. Without succumbing to the allure of passing trends, the wines have retained their elegant and precise style; however, they are gaining in density. This highly convincing balance between tradition and modernity, as well as the particularly distinguished character of the latest vintages, leads us to award Latour-Martillac a second star.

James Suckling

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The bouquet of Latour-Martillac makes a serene and precise entrance, with freshness serving as its driving force! Delicate hints of orange peel blend with aromas of cherries and red berries, followed by notes of sweet spices. The smooth character of the attack heralds a dense and harmonious wine. Its compact, velvety tannins create a vigorous yet subtle profile where power and character are perfectly balanced. It is now a matter of letting the wine come together, but the foundation laid is very promising. A compelling wine! 2030–2050