The estate takes its name from the tower which stands in the main courtyard of the château; it is the remnant of a fort built in the 12th century by the ancestors of Montesquieu. The structure occupied a strategic position and controlled the route between Bordeaux and Toulouse. The stones of the fort were used to build the existing château at the end of the 18th century.
Long-time called for by the Winemakers Syndicate of the Graves, the classification of Grave wines finally took place in 1953 under the authority of the National Institute of Designation of Origin. The classification recognized 16 chateaux, all in the north of the Graves region. Château LaTour-Martillac is one of only six properties classified for both red and white wines.
This 2021 is 57% Sauvignon Blanc and 43% Semillon aged 15 months in 25% new French oak barrels.
Wine Enthusiast scored this 94 points saying, "From the Kressmann family, this is packed with ripe fruits and textured acidity. It is still young, with its edge of yeastiness and spice from the wood aging. Drink this fine wine from 2026."
Vinous scored this 92-94 points saying, "The 2021 Latour-Martillac Blanc has a knockout nose with apple blossom, nettle, wet pavement and citrus peel aromas. Real energy here. The palate is well balanced with fine concentration, taut and fresh with plenty of extract, touches of spice emerge towards the finish. Excellent."
Decanter scored this 93 points saying, "A crystalline aspect to the nose, real clarity and freshness. The palate is striking, zesty and alive, sharp yet also with density that gives a push-pull from the acidity and succulence. This is characterful, certainly full of life and flavour with a touch of sherbet sourness and honeyed sweetness. Lots to like here, with a directness on the palate and a certain tension despite the range of flavours. This will have fans!"
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 90-93 points saying, "I'm not sure the 2021 Château Latour-Martillac Blanc matches the 2019, but it's a gorgeous white, nonetheless. Giving up a bright, racy, almost reductive style in its lime, crushed stone, and green citrus aromas and flavors, this medium-bodied, balanced white is very much in the cooler, fresher style of this vintage. If it puts on weight over the course of its élevage, it should check in near the top of this barrel range."
Alcohol % | 12.0% |
---|---|
Vintage | 2021 |
Varietal | White Blend |
Region | Bordeaux |
Country | France |
Appellation | Pessac-Leognan |
Bottle Size | 750 ml |
Type | White |
Reviews