2018 Chateau Lespault Martillac
Region: Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Grape: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Culinary Suggestions: Lamb Shank, Steak, Beef Stew, Hard Cheeses, Spaghetti Meatballs
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
About
Château Lespault-Martillac is an ancient estate located on a fine gravelly rise overlooking the commune of Martillac. Since 2009, management has been entrusted to Domaine de Chevalier, a Graves great growth belonging to the Bernard family.
Olivier Bernard has a clear ambition: to realise the château’s outstanding potential and its aim of becoming one of the jewels of the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
The new man at the helm of Lespault-Martillac gives us an insight into future developments…
« Our goal from the very start was to make great wine thanks to Lespault-Martillac’s truly outstanding terroir and its old Merlot vines with low yields of superb fruit… To take advantage of these assets, we applied the same principles that are at the heart of our winemaking philosophy at Domaine de Chevalier: traditional viticultural practices inspired by biodynamics and constant observation in the vineyard to make the best choices in light of weather conditions during the growing season. This calls for ploughing the soil and a profound respect for the terroir and the environment as evidenced by the sparing use of chemical sprays, plot-by-plot vineyard management, etc…»
« The vineyard consists of eight hectares in a single block, including one of white wine grapes. It is cultivated like a garden, with the same care and attention as at Domaine de Chevalier… Weed killers and chemical fertilisers are banished, the soil is ploughed, and the only fertiliser is natural compost. The vineyard is protected from insect pests such as grape worms by organic methods such as mating disruption. We adapt vineyard management to each individual plot, taking into account even the tiniest variations in terroir as well as the weather conditions in each vintage. We contribute a great deal of experience and added value to the crop, especially in difficult years. I can honestly say that very few estates lavish as much care and attention as we do… »
« People often compare Domaine de Chevalier to a great Médoc because of its tannic backbone, straightforwardness, and remarkable elegance. Lespault-Martillac’s style, on the other hand, is much more immediately charming, with natural silkiness and a smooth, generous, almost opulent side. This great terroir, with its old Merlot vines, has the ability to produce superb feminine wines. I would very much like to emphasise this aspect and bring out what I’ll call the wine’s slightly Pomerol character… » - Winery Website
Tasting Notes
A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Lespault-Martillac has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling out of the glass with compelling notes of crushed blackberries, fresh blueberries and mulberries, plus wafts of underbrush, wilted roses and red earth. The medium to full-bodied palate has impressive energy, featuring firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral laced. Nicely done!
93 points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate April 2021
Drink: 2022 - 2038