From the Jean Kressmann family, Latour-Martillac has made major strides in quality in both white and red wines for well over 10-15 years. The 2012 has a dense ruby/purple color, and better integration of oak is apparent in this medium to full-bodied wine that shows lots of plum, blackcurrant, licorice and subtle earth. It is medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannin and a long finish. It is another successful 2012 from Pessac-Léognan, one of the top appellations in this vintage. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.
Tasted twice with consistent notes, the Grand Vin is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot picked from 1 to 16 October at 45hl/ha. If offers plenty of ripe black plum and mulberry fruit on the nose that evolves a marine-like influence. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft entry that belies that tannins that become more evident towards the finish. There is good weight here, a real class act and the finish is one of the finest that I have encountered on the Grand Vin at this primal stage. Certainly one to look out for once released. Tasted April 2013.
