Château Lespault-Martillac 2020

Juicy and open in feel, with a core of red currant and damson plum wrapped in red licorice and sweet tobacco. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2029.

So bright on the nose, really shining out of the glass. Fun and energetic, lively and bright, the fruit is alive in the glass but really edged and underpinned by a creaminess as well as liquorice, giving textural and flavour nuance and interest. It hasn't quite settled yet, each element playing a part but not quite harmoniously, but I love the individual elements. There’s a sharpness here, it’s tight with focus; a sleek edge where things are so clearly defined, such structure. Everything in one line at the moment. A little highly strung, needs to soften but when it does it will be lovely.

Aromas of cedar and dark berries with blackberries and bramble berries. Full-bodied with velvety, polished tannins. Juicy and savory on the finish. Hints of orange peel and tobacco. Drink or hold.

The 2020 Lespault-Martillac has a tightly wound bouquet, with blackberry and bilberry fruit, chimney hearth and a welcome touch of brine. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins that frame the slightly toasty, black pepper-tinged black fruit. Quite structured with a sapid finish that urges you back for another sip. Worth seeking out, this is a very fine Pessac-Léognan.

Tobacco leaf, smoke, black currants and plums open the nose. On the palate, the wine is polished, round and soft, with round tannins and layers of sweet, juicy, savory, dark red fruits in the medium-bodied, fresh finish. 91-93 pts

Floral violet, dark fruit with crushed cassis, dark cherry, plum and tobacco, with balanced oak and a long, lingering finish.

The finest vintage I've tasted from this estate, the 2020 Château Lespault-Martillac is full-bodied, round, and sexy, with a terrific mouthfeel as well as classic darker currant fruit, notes of chocolate and tobacco, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a little gem of a Pessac-Léognan to drink over the coming two decades.

A decadent nose of plum and dried rose, heralding a velvety touch. On the palate, plenty of chew, with tannins that bring a certain roughness.

Complex and subtle, the bouquet of Lespault-Martillac reveals multiple facets, both spicy and fruity. The attack is inviting, fruity and slightly creamy. The tannins provide a certain power and display a fine grain. They are precise and in tune with the freshness of the acidic structure. An elegant, harmonious and fresh wine!

A clean nose, marked by red fruit and pastry notes. The élevage is already present. The tannic backbone is well defined and remains focused on red fruits with a dominant cherry note. A personality that still needs to assert itself, yet with a gourmand side. A pleasing wine, technically well made.