Latour-Martillac remains one of the great value estates on the Left Bank, and this is especially true in outstanding vintages like the ones on offer today. With classic Graves terroir and expert winemaking, these wines consistently punch way above their weight class, as you can clearly see in the bevy of excellent press that accompanies each one.
The highlights of the list are undoubtedly the 96-point 2019, which is "gorgeous, so bright and precise," delivering unreal bang for the buck at under $40, and the astounding 97-point 2022. Jeb Dunnuck dubs this powerhouse "a remarkably pure, medium to full-bodied Pessac-Léognan ... a brilliant 2022 that should be snatched up by readers." Of course, sharp-eyed collectors shouldn't over the 95-point 2018 or the "harmonious and well-defined" 2020.
Last but certainly not least, the estate's white has always served as a reference-point for the category, made in part from Semillon vines over 140 years old. With 94-point potential according to several critics, the 2023 Blanc is "beautifully textured, rich, yet still racy white with tons to love," proving once again that Graves' whites are sometimes every bit as compelling as its reds.
Whether you pick your favorite or go in for the whole vertical, you can rest assured you're getting some of the best quality-to-price character that the Left Bank has to offer.
Owned by the Kressmann family, this estate has released an ageworthy wine. Rich tannins are balanced by dark, juicy blackberry fruits and dense, concentrated tannins. The wine needs to age, so drink from 2026.
95 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2021)
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Latour Martillac comes barreling out of the glass with bold notes of baked blackberries, plum preserves and redcurrant jelly, plus suggestions of garrigue, pencil shavings and menthol with a waft of tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness to support the generous fruit, finishing long and earthy.
93+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 2021)
Sleek, with mesquite-infused cassis laced with an additional iron and sanguine thread. Finish picks up light savory and tobacco details. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032.
93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2021)
Aromas of blackcurrant, spiced cherry, charred wood and some smoked meat. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Tight layers of dark fruit and spice. Better from 2024.
93 points, James Suckling (Mar 2021)
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