This is an austere, structured wine. Its tannic framework currently dominates, giving the impression of a firm wine. It feels like classic Bordeaux, upright and dense. This makes for a wine that will need several years' aging.

The 2010 Latour Martillac vindicates itself as perhaps the "insider's choice" from Pessac-Leognan. It has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cassis, black olive and estuarine scents bouquet that is very complex and involving. The palate is medium bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a pinch of black pepper towards the smooth and harmonious finish. It remains very backward but there is immense potential here. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Dense, but supple along the edges, offering a packed core of cassis, blackberry and black cherry fruit. The lovely licorice, dark tobacco and violet notes glide to the finish, which shows solid, latent grip. Best from 2015 through 2025.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Latour Martillac gives up notes of crushed rocks, tar and black olives over a core of stewed plums, cedar chest and dried herbs with a touch of dried cranberries. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid frame of chewy tannins and oodles of freshness supporting the muscular fruit, finishing savory.