Château Lespault-Martillac 2016

Balanced, easy-drinking, rich, smooth, full-bodied, pleasing.

A polished, friendly style, with a slightly languid feel to the plum and currant preserve flavors. Light mesquite and tobacco hints check in on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2027.

This has been in the Domaine de Chevalier stable since 2009 (not as owners but as winemakers), making it a wine to watch. And this is exceptional for a good value Pessac; silky, dark, rich cherry fruits show finesse, with slight coffee overtones. There are some big tannins, but it holds off at exactly the right moment—proof that there's so much to enjoy in this appellation in 2016.

Pronounced vanilla and full black cherries on the nose. Quite a generous, fleshy wine for this appellation in 2016. Rather soft tannins add a touch of warmth at the finish, balancing the cool acidity. Good length and harmony at the moderately dry finish. A blend of 70 percent merlot and 30 percent cabernet sauvignon.

The 2016 Lespault-Martillac is pretty, understated and quite gracious, with striking aromatics that perk up the lively red cherry fruit. Energetic, bright and persistent, the 2016 has quite a bit to offer. This is an especially sculpted style. Mint, licorice and floral notes add to the subtle shades of nuance.

Smoky and dark, with red plums and a truly juicy fruit character. This is coupled with freshness and earthy black cherries on the medium-bodied finish.

Nicely balanced, fresh, medium-bodied with savoury red fruit, ripe extract, some butterscotch notes from the oak, with fine balance and length.

The red 2016 Château Lespault‑Martillac is also outstanding. Based on 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, from vines next to Domaine de Chevalier, this beauty boasts a medium-bodied, supple, elegant style as well as lots of Merlot character in its black cherries, violets, spice, and earthy, herbal, underbrush notes. It’s very much in the classic, balanced, elegant style of the vintage, and while it has plenty of upfront charm, it will benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 15 years or more.

Garnet red with violet highlights. An inviting, fresh bouquet with notes of grenadine and cherries. The aromatic profile is nicely echoed on the palate. The wine has body and freshness, with fine-grained tannins in keeping with the energy of the structure. Fruity finish. A pleasant and promising wine.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Very intense nose, delicate, fruity, ripe, smooth, and subtle. A nuance of Pomerol. Soft from the attack, then supple at mid-palate, particularly aromatic, very fruity and flavorful, the wine gains in power and tension before finishing long, with licorice notes, noble and impossible to spit out. A great success and a very fine outsider.