Château Latour-Martillac 2017

The 2017 Latour Martillac is deep garnet-purple in color and has a nose of warm blackberries, black plum preserves and stewed tea with hints of dusty soil, sautéed herbs and tobacco. The medium-bodied palate is soft and lively with an earthy finish.

Fresh, with a subtle iron thread amid the core of red currant and damson plum fruit. A mineral note darts through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022. 8,375 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.

Clear blackberry brambly fruit character right from the start. The oak notes are evident, but this is young and it feels like it has fattened up during ageing, deepening in character. Some fairly prominent acidity, but it comes through as lift and freshness, and this is an impressive wine for the vintage, showing itself better in bottle than during En Primeur. Lilting juice on the finish also. Still not one that needs to be set aside for years before drinking — you should be able to get going within five years, and keep it for another 15.

Attractive aromas of briary red and blue berries here, as well as gently herbal and minty elements. The palate has a succulent, plush and supple feel with good concentration of flavor and depth. I like this. Drink or hold.

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot. Light leafiness here entwined with restrained cassis and lead pencil, but with air this becomes more fragrant, scented with violets. Quite a grip to the tannins at the moment, just enough fruit at the core to balance the structure. Chewy finish. (JH)

The 2017 Latour-Martillac needs a little time to fire up its motors on the nose, although it eventually reveals attractive blackberry, wild hedgerow and cedar scents that continue gaining intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a fine, silky texture. Perhaps my only criticism is that it does not dovetail into something more complex on the finish, but it remains a finely crafted Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru.

Kunz barrel sample 18: (63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot) Floral, fragrant, sweet bouquet, cherries, plum skin, grains, caramel. Light, fragrant palate with sweet aromatics, slender, firm structure, mealy tannins, light finish. Has room to improve.

(63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot) Floral, fragrant, sweet bouquet, cherries, damson skin, grains, caramel. Light, aromatic palate with a slender, firm structure, powdery tannins, light finish. Can improve further. 16/20 2022 - 2035

Perky black and red fruits and bright acidity, framed by a certain austerity. The tannins are fairly chewy, well defined and carefully extracted, balanced by cocoa bean and liquorice to give definition and depth. Enjoyable: you could drink this now with a carafe, but it will offer more in a few years. 40% new oak, harvest from September 12 to 29.

The red 2017 Latour-Martillac is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It leaps with bold scents of cassis and raspberry preserves, followed by hints of cardamom, clove oil, and lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate is lively and refreshing with a slight, pleasant chewiness to the tannins and an earthy finish.

Taut, fruity wine with a hint of overripeness, supple tannins, and a long finish.

Garnet red with slight purple highlights. Good fruit freshness with aromas of blackcurrant followed by a herbal touch. Elegant on the palate, with the olfactory characteristics well reflected. The tannins show a fine grain and are in line with the breed of the structure. An inviting wine that can already be enjoyed in its youth. Fruity finish.

Dark, intense, and vibrant color. Moderately aromatic nose with fresh, ripe fruit. A tender, fruity, flavorful, and fragrant palate, becoming a little discreet on the finish. Medium length.

88–90. Barrel Sample. Smoky and tightly mineral, this wine shows solid tannins and a crisp character. There is an herbal hint here, with stalky fruit adding to the fresh character of the wine. Drink from 2022.