2024 Chateau Latour-Martillac, Rouge Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan

Medium ruby-purple in appearance. Nose is reserved, but the palate offers solid depth with dark berries and black cherry. Tannins are firm and grainy, though the fruit feels slightly subdued. Earthy on the finish. Needs time to find focus, but the structure is promising.

Based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2024 Château Latour-Martillac offers up charming red and black currants, smoky herbs, and violet notes. Medium-bodied and nicely textured, it has a round, supple mouthfeel and soft tannins, all showing the forward, approachable character of the vintage in the Léognan region. 

This feels classic old school Bordeaux, with a dose of grilled coffee and is delivering what it needs to - dark fruits, leafy aromatics, balanced and gentle, with fresh acidities that don't overwhelm. 42 hl/ha yield. Unfussy and well made, no need to wait too long to begin drinking.

The 2024 Latour-Martillac was tasted from two bottles at the UGC, one slightly oxidized and the other showing some excessive oak. A third bottle on the final day of my trip is more representative. A light nose offers black fruit, touches of gravel and sous-bois, though I would have liked a bit more brightness. The palate is medium-bodied with light and slightly grainy tannins that frame simple tobacco-tinged black fruit. This is nicely balanced but lacks some grip on the finish, so I would drink this within its first decade.

The 2024 Latour Martillac offers up aromas of cassis, mulberries and incense, followed by a light to medium-bodied, supple and open-knit palate framed by brittle tannins with tangy acids on the finish with green notes.

59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 13% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.

Pale crimson hue. Brambly fruit notes. Tannins slightly chewy. Benefit of doubt – hopefully will benefit from élevage. (JL)

13% Drink 2028 – 2036