2016 LaTour-Martillac: pure Pessac precision

2016 LaTour-Martillac and other new releases

For value in Bordeaux, there are few better places to look than Pessac-Leognan. And for value in Pessac-Leognan, I can think of no better address than LaTour-Martillac. Bought by Alfred Kressman in 1930, and today run by his grandchildren, Loïc and Tristan, there's no fanfare here but there is a sense of purpose and a feeling of industriousness. The vineyards are planted on gravelly terraces on the east side of the village of Martillac. The 2016 red is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot harvested between 23 September and 21 October. It is intense, juicy and fresh, and has a lovely texture with the velvety tannins characteristic of many of this vintage's most successful wines. Highly recommended.

'The 2016 Latour-Martillac has an understated nose at first, but it unfurls and becomes quite a seductive Pessac-Léognan with ample blackberry and raspberry fruit, and a subtle hint of black olive. I admire the precision here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannin overlaid by blackberry and bilberry fruit, sea salt and black pepper. Showing excellent focus and abundant freshness on the finish, this is an assured and sophisticated Latour-Martillac that will give many years of pleasure. 92-94 points' - Neal Martin, robertparker.com

Other significant releases this week include Croix de Beaucaillou and Langoa Barton from St-Julien, a clutch of St-Emilions including Angelus, Quintus, Barde-Haut and Clos de l'Oratoire and the very successful 2016 Sociando-Mallet. Small amounts of Beychevelle, Carruades and Lafite itself have also surfaced though sadly not enough to offer. /AR

Offered subject to remaining unsold; available 2019