Château Latour-Martillac 2024

Château Latour-Martillac Rouge 2024 is part of a vintage with capricious but controlled weather. Winter was mild and exceptionally rainy, with 912 mm of precipitation between October 2023 and March 2024.

Spring continued this trend, without preventing downy mildew, which was well contained thanks to increased vigilance. Budburst began on March 18 for Merlot, followed by other grape varieties from March 25. Two hot spells in early April stimulated growth, which was then slowed by cool temperatures in May.

Relatively late flowering took place between May 29 and June 10. A cooler summer than recent averages enabled slow, even ripening, which began with veraison on July 28. The red harvest was spread out from September 14 to October 4, with precise sorting to pRéserver ensure quality despite intermittent rainfall.

The blend for this vintage comprises 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 13% Petit Verdot, aged 35% in new barrels. The yield is 42 hl/ha and the wine is 13% vol. with balanced total acidity (TA: 3.21) and a pH of 3.59.

On tasting, the wine reveals a delicate, brilliant purple color. The expressive nose reveals black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), red fruits (wild strawberry, raspberry) and a fine spicy structure. Harmonious on the palate, with bright fruit, remarkable freshness and a silky tannic structure with fine, elegant tannins. The finish stretches elegantly over lightly spicy notes, embodying the finesse of the great reds of Pessac-Léognan.

Harvest dates: Merlot -> from 14/09/24 to 25/09/24; Petit Verdot -> on 26 and 27/09/24; Cabernet-Sauvignon -> from 28/09/24 to 04/10/24.