Château Latour-Martillac Blanc, 2020
Château Latour-Martillac Blanc, 2020
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- White Still
- Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2035
Thanks to the long involvement of generations of the Kressmann family, and the recognition shown in 1953 by the classification of Graves, the wines of Château Latour-Martillac feature among the best of Pessac-Léognan.
The 2020 Château Latour-Martillac Blanc has a bright, pale yellow colour with a slight greenish hue. The nose is expressive, with fresh aromas of citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, alongside white peach, green apple, and floral notes of acacia and honeysuckle. Subtle hints of minerality and toast contribute to its aromatic complexity, a result of partial barrel fermentation and aging.
It's fresh and lively, with a creamy texture balanced by crisp acidity. Flavours of lemon zest, lime, and pear are prominent, interwoven with notes of stone fruits and a touch of salinity. The Sémillon adds roundness and depth, while the Sauvignon Blanc contributes brightness and lift. The finish is long, clean, and mineral-driven, showcasing both the finesse and intensity typical of Pessac-Léognan whites.
This wine pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled fish, and creamy cheeses.
Currently showing primary citrus and stone fruit with the oak still integrating, this wine will develop fascinating complexity over the next decade. By 2028-2030, expect the mineral character to become more pronounced whilst honeyed notes emerge from bottle aging. The Sémillon component will add weight and texture as it matures, creating that classic waxy richness by the early 2030s. The wine should hold its peak until around 2035, after which the fruit may begin to fade whilst retaining its distinctive mineral backbone.
What the critics say:
"The 2020 Latour-Martillac Blanc has shut down since tasting from barrel, yet it opens with yellow plum, jasmine and light frangipane scents. I admire the precision here. The palate is well-balanced with a fine bead of acidity, quite taut and well defined. Real precision on the finish that drags you back for one more sip. This is a classy dry white Bordeaux that will give immense pleasure over a number of years."
"I love this white, it has confidence and power and a sense of direction as well as a slate minerality that drags though the palate in a good way. Savoury white fruit - good stuff. A yield of 44hl/ha, 25% new oak. 14 months ageing on lees."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright pale yellow with a subtle greenish glint that speaks to its youth and vitality.
NoseThe aromatics have tightened since barrel sampling but reveal layers with patience: yellow plum and white peach anchored by jasmine and acacia florals. There's a lovely tension between the oak-derived frangipane and the mineral precision underneath. Light citrus zest adds brightness without overwhelming the more complex elements.
PalateImmediately strikes you with its fine bead of acidity and taut structure. The Sauvignon Blanc drives the citrus core while Sémillon provides weight and texture. We taste lemon zest, lime, and crisp pear alongside stone fruits, all wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel that never loses its mineral edge. There's a saline quality that pulls you back for another sip.
FinishLong, clean, and mineral-driven with that distinctive slate character dragging through the palate in the most compelling way.
Overall impressionThis is classy white Bordeaux that combines immediate pleasure with serious aging potential.
Food Pairings
In Bordeaux, this style of white pairs naturally with the region's renowned seafood from nearby Arcachon Bay, particularly grilled oysters or sole meunière. Local chefs favour it with river fish like pike-perch in beurre blanc, or the classic pairing with foie gras where the wine's acidity cuts through the richness. The traditional plateau de fruits de mer becomes sublime with this level of mineral precision, whilst aged Comté or Roquefort find perfect balance with the wine's creamy texture and saline finish.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 10-12°C to preserve the wine's natural freshness whilst allowing the oak integration to show. No need to decant, but do give it an hour in the glass if drinking now as it opens beautifully with air. Use a medium-sized white wine glass with a narrower bowl to concentrate the aromatics. If cellaring, store on its side in consistent cool conditions away from vibration.
The vineyard sits on the classic Pessac-Léognan terroir of deep gravel beds over limestone subsoil, providing excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for consistent ripening. The gravelly soils reflect heat during the day and radiate it back at night, promoting slow, even maturation. This geological foundation, combined with the maritime influence of the nearby Garonne river, creates the mineral backbone and natural acidity that defines great white Bordeaux. The limestone beneath adds a distinctive chalky minerality that becomes more pronounced with age.
Pessac-Léognan represents the heart of Graves, established as its own appellation in 1987 to distinguish the finest châteaux from the broader region. Unlike the Médoc's focus on reds, Pessac-Léognan excels at both colours, with whites often considered among Bordeaux's most age-worthy. The appellation's gravelly soils and warmer microclimate favour Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc blends that develop remarkable complexity over decades. Standards are rigorously maintained, with lower yields and stricter selection than the wider Graves appellation.
The 2020 Bordeaux vintage began with one of the wettest winters on record, followed by a scorching summer that nearly broke temperature records across the region. What could have been a disaster became salvation: those deep winter water reserves carried the vines through the heat, while the dry conditions from July onwards concentrated flavours beautifully. The harvest started early and moved quickly, with most châteaux picking under ideal September skies.
We find 2020 Bordeaux surprisingly charming for such a hot year - the wines show ripe, generous fruit without the baked character you might expect. The Merlot-based Right Bank wines are particularly successful, displaying plush damson and blackberry flavours with enough freshness to keep them lively. Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank delivers power and concentration, though some properties struggled more than others with the heat. Most 2020s are drinking beautifully now - this isn't a vintage that demands decades of patience, and we rather like that about it.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Bright and mineral-driven with citrus zest, white peach, and stone fruits balanced by crisp acidity and a distinctive saline finish. The partial barrel aging adds creamy texture without overwhelming the fresh fruit character.
When should I drink this wine?
Drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop complexity until 2035. If you enjoy fresh, vibrant whites, open it soon. If you prefer more developed, honeyed flavours, wait until 2028-2030.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with grilled fish, shellfish, and creamy seafood dishes. Also pairs wonderfully with goat cheese, aged Comté, or dishes with herb-based sauces. The mineral character makes it perfect for oysters or sushi.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve chilled at 10-12°C in medium-sized white wine glasses. No need to decant, but give it time to breathe in the glass as it opens beautifully with air exposure.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely. This is classified Pessac-Léognan from an excellent vintage with the structure to age gracefully for a decade. The mineral backbone and Sémillon component will reward patience with increased complexity.
How does this compare to other white Bordeaux?
This represents Pessac-Léognan at its most precise and mineral-driven. More structured than basic Graves, with the aging potential to rival the finest white Bordeaux from properties like Haut-Brion Blanc, though at a more accessible price point.
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Château Latour-Martillac
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