2017 Lespault Martillac
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Lespault-Martillac is a gorgeous, understated wine, just as it was en primeur. Bright, floral and understated, the 2017 is impeccable from start to finish. Once again, the purity of the red-toned fruit is really compelling. The Lespault-Martillac is not obvious or overt wine, but instead it makes its case with a total sense of refinement. It is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
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Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Lespault-Martillac features black cherries, mulberries, earth and cigars on the nose with touches of bay leaves and dried leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate is chewy with a decent fruit core and savory finish.
The 2017 Lespault-Martillac has a tightly-knit bouquet: black cherries, blueberry, hints of iodine and a light sea cave scent. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and impressive fruit concentration for a 2017. This is velvety smooth with raspberry, dark chocolate and touches of leather, leading to a seductive finish that will be difficult to resist in its youth. This has manifested the finesse I was looking for when I tasted it from barrel.
Coming from a larger 53-hectare vineyard and based on 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2017 Chateau Lespault-Martillac reveals a deep ruby/purple color to go with elegant, medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of black raspberries, cassis, forest floor, and leafy herbs. With considerable elegance, ripe, polished tannins, and great balance, it’s another charming, approachable 2017 that’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.