Château Lespault Martillac 2019
Château Lespault-Martillac is one of the oldest vineyards in Martillac, at the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, in the Graves region. Situated on a beautiful gravel ridge, the estate benefits from a naturally draining terroir, favorable to the ripening of Bordeaux red grape varieties. Since 2009, its operation has been entrusted to the team of Domaine de Chevalier, a Grand Cru Classé of Graves owned by the Bernard family, which marked a true qualitative revival of the property. The red vineyard, about 7 hectares, is mainly planted with old Merlot vines, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This Merlot dominance gives the wine a generous fleshiness, while the Graves of Pessac-Léognan bring freshness, structure, and elegance. Château Lespault-Martillac 2019 thus fits into the style of the great reds of Graves, between ripe fruit, tannic finesse, and a slightly smoky signature. This vintage offers an accessible and refined reading of the appellation, supported by the technical expertise of a team recognized for its precision.
The Château Lespault-Martillac 2019 red cuvée is made from a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. This composition highlights the supple, fleshy, and fruity character of Merlot, while maintaining the firmness and depth brought by Cabernet Sauvignon. Petit Verdot, present as a complement, enhances the color, aromatic intensity, and spicy structure of the wine. The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux is generally marked by beautiful ripeness, with wines that are both sunny, balanced, and endowed with preserved freshness. At Lespault-Martillac, this year produces a Pessac-Léognan red with a round, juicy, and appealing profile, supported by a gravel framework that lengthens the palate. The sources consulted mention aging in wood, consistent with the Bordeaux style of the estate, although the precise official details of the vintage's aging are not available. The result is a wine that is both serious and gourmand, designed to offer pleasure while retaining real aging potential.
On tasting, Château Lespault-Martillac 2019 shows a deep red robe with dark and shiny reflections. The nose may evoke blackberry, blueberry, plum, blackcurrant, violet, sweet spices, and a hint of graphite or smoke, typical of the beautiful Graves terroirs. On the palate, the attack is supple and enveloping, with a creamy texture, polished tannins, and a matter of beautiful density. The ripe black fruit retains a pleasant freshness, which avoids any heaviness and prolongs the wine's balance. The finish is elegant, slightly woody, carried by notes of black fruits, cocoa, blond tobacco, and warm stone. This Pessac-Léognan will ideally accompany a grilled rib steak, duck breast, confit lamb shoulder, porcini risotto, or an aged cheese. The wine can be enjoyed now after aeration but will gain complexity over several years of cellaring.
Grape varieties: 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
