Château Lespault-Martillac 2018

A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Lespault-Martillac has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling out of the glass with compelling notes of crushed blackberries, fresh blueberries and mulberries, plus wafts of underbrush, wilted roses and red earth. The medium to full-bodied palate has impressive energy, featuring firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral laced. Nicely done!

This is packed with red currant, blackberry and red cherry and black cherry paste notes, supported by mouthwatering bramble and sweet bay accents and carried through the finish by a broad swath of tar. Built for the cellar. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2036. 2,500 cases made.

Gracefully evolving with red plum and sweet spices. Savoury, smoky notes mingle with ripe bilberry and damson. The palate is full and rich, dominated by red fruit, ripe cherry, and raspberry, lifted by acidity and balanced tannins. Elegant with a supple texture and lingering finish.

A creamy, nicely textured red with blueberry, chocolate, walnut and coffee character. It’s medium-to full-bodied, savory and lightly chewy. A tight, well-structured red. Try after 2024.

The 2018 Lespault-Martillac has a ripe bouquet of high-toned black fruit infused with mint and juniper, well defined, opulent but controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lithe and silky-smooth. The very harmonious, lightly spiced finish lingers in the mouth. This packs in a lot of flavor without overdoing it. Very fine.

Elegant, silky and sweet, the wine is medium-bodied with layers of ripe, juicy, fresh currants, flowers, plums, tobacco leaf and savory herbs on the palate and in the refined, energetic, polished finish. This is going to be great on release.

Dark ruby, with purple reflections, and a subtly light rim. Fresh cherry, sweet plum, a touch of orange zest, and nice nougat. Substantial, elegant, with a spicy core, some nougat, with pleasant freshness and minerality on the finish.

The 2018 Château Lespault-Martillac is a winner. Lots of ripe red and black currants, toasted spices, mulberries, flowery incense, and tobacco notes emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a ripe, plush, sumptuous texture, terrific tannins, and outstanding length. It's going to deliver loads of pleasure over the coming 15 years or more.

Purple with a broad ruby rim. Intense wild-berry cocktail, followed by Brazilian tobacco and chocolate pastilles. On the plump palate with a soft texture, a firm body, and a well-supporting backbone. In the focused finish, blue and black berries, tobacco leaf, a bitter note in the background, and a medium-length aftertaste. Pessac–Léognan with early drinking appeal; I liked it better as an en primeur sample.

Kunz barrel sample 19: spicy, medium-bodied, silky bouquet, plums, light tobacco, chocolate. Fine, silky palate with sweet fruit, delicate tannins, powerful aromatics, finely muscular structure, and a long, fresh finish.

Velvety, fruity, sweet bouquet of blackberries, mocha, licorice, delicate dried-fruit notes, pepper. Balanced palate, slightly firm at the core, with sweet fruit, fine silky tannins, spicy aromatics, and a plush, rounded finish. 17/20 2023 - 2035

Dark color, good intensity, beautiful. Moderately aromatic nose, fruity, ripe, fresh, and rather noble. Dense on the attack, then supple and highly fragrant, the wine progresses very fruity and full-bodied toward a slightly firm finish that nonetheless lingers long and smooth. It is very good. Blend: 60% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot. Alcohol: 13.5%.

Beautiful ripe, flavorful dimension with chocolate notes without heaviness; seductive.

This wine, produced by the winemaking team of Domaine de Chevalier, is dense with solid tannins and black fruits. Everything is bursting with energy, still very young. But the wine has potential, the succulent black-currant flavors showing the way forward. Drink from 2025.