The 2018 Latour-Martillac is powerful, dense and explosive, with tremendous richness and energy that drive through to the palate staining finish. Abnormally low yields produced an unusually sumptuous, rich Latour-Martillac. Black cherry, chocolate, spice, gravel and incense build as this arrestingly beautiful wine shows off its racy, curvy personality. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot. Tasted three times.

The 2018 Latour-Martillac has an outgoing, menthol-tinged bouquet, glossy and maybe missing a little Pessac typicity. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, moderate depth, tarry black fruit with a savory, tobacco infused finish. I like the "flow" of this Pessac - it seems very cohesive, although it just needs more finesse and vivacity.

Black core. Lovely fragrance of fresh dark fruit and something like lavender. Dark-fruited but still pretty. Elegant, scented with a complex range of aromas that are dark fruit, crushed rocks, and a hint of something floral. Poised and fresh. - Julia Harding, jancisrobinson.com, April 2019