Château LaTour-Martillac Pessac Léognan 2010

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.

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.

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.