Château Latour-Martillac 2022

Shining ruby-red, clear and pure on the nose, ripe dark berry fruit, herbs, black tea, licorice; a slim, straight-lined attack, then it grips and builds pressure, very crisp fruit, prominent, powdery tannins, a long, highly aromatic finish. A Latour-Martillac full of finesse and great elegance that will age beautifully.

A youthfully compact style, with its core of red and black currant preserves sitting behind a mix of warm tar, alder and chestnut. Dark tobacco and leather notes stretch out on the finish and add a textural element, while the fruit keeps pace. Solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 12,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.

Floral and fragrant on the nose, pretty and open. Quite intense on the palate, almost too much, in the sense that it still feels fairly compact and tight, with some vintage markers in terms of heat and alcohol. Lots of flavour to start with—fleshy, chewy cherries, raspberries and plums—with a salty undertone, but it stops a bit short as the structure gets in the way. Tannins are massy and up front. Clearly powerful and muscular, with lovely fruit purity, but not as relaxed as some right now. Good ageing potential.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Mid purplish crimson. Fragrant, almost floral and appealing on the nose. Mouth-filling and lifted with excellent balance. Pure Graves with an attractive stony quality on the refreshing finish. You would never guess this is the product of a hot, dry growing season. Fine tannins in abundance but by no means aggressive. (JR)

Smoke, burning wood, cigar box, licorice, blackberries, and black cherries open the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is refined, elegant, lush, and packed with layers of sweet, ripe dark and red fruits, dipped in chocolate. There is lift and energy here, allowing all that fruit to shine and linger. Drink from 2027 to 2042.

Cassis, blackcurrants, smoky tobacco, and scorched earth notes all emerge from the 2022 Château Latour-Martillac, a remarkably pure, medium- to full-bodied Pessac-Léognan with a great mid-palate, pure, polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot, it's a brilliant 2022 that readers should snap up.

Restrained opening, delicate red-berry contours, dark noble wood, Szechuan pepper and lingonberry purée. On the dense palate with a soft texture, sandy extract, a finely brittle yet taut body. In the focused finish, it streamlines with tobacco leaf, walnut shell and a powdery astringency.

Subdued on the first nose, well-judged and expressive dark fruit flavours, with a punch of white pepper and sage spice. This has a slow build through the palate, good quality with a rich texture that isn't overblown. Could benefit from three or four years in bottle before drinking, but this has plenty of appellation typicity. Vinified in stainless steel, aged in barrel, Kressmann family owners of this 45ha estate.

A hedonistic nose of purple fruits, roses, and wild strawberries. On the palate, it shows full, round, and generous, with lovely depth.

Inviting, refreshing notes of black berries complemented by a touch of mint and licorice. Medium in density, the wine unfolds in a linear fashion. It is well supported by its tannins, which still need to gain in finesse. They are still somewhat angular, but there is enough substance and richness to wrap them properly. The incisive structure ensures temperament and freshness. A promising wine!

The nose is concentrated, with an airy, elegant density. The initial impression is chocolaty, with a slightly tangy note of cocoa nibs and chocolate mint. It then unfolds fresh, juicy fruit aromas (morello cherry, bigarreau cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, tangy strawberry), gentle spices (licorice, underlying vanilla, a hint of nutmeg and white pepper), crushed mint, a touch of red cherry jam and raspberry coulis, as well as rosemary, and a toasty hint of hazelnut and coffee. The palate is juicy, fresh and enveloping, opening on toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate and tangy cocoa nibs. We also find flavors of morello cherry, bigarreau cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry and strawberry, along with licorice, vanilla and nutmeg. The tannins are finely knit, elegant and sapid. Lovely juiciness, tangy fruit and a touch of tangy cocoa nibs on the finish. Persistent, vibrant acidity.

Dark, purple color. Intense, fruity, and fragrant nose. Smooth palate that develops aromatically with a suave profile, leading to a fragrant finish with well-wrapped tannins. Normal length. Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 14.5%. Yield: 42 hl/ha.

An intense, smoky nose with lovely expressiveness that gradually opens to aromas of dark fruit. This indulgent, suave wine reveals a silky texture and a dominant note of raspberry jam, accompanied by a touch of violet. On the palate, its freshness asserts itself with an elegant finish on notes of anise.

This is a beautifully balanced wine, with its truffle and spice aroma leading to black fruit and licorice flavors. With its great potential, the wine should be ready from 2028.