Chateau Lespault-Martillac 2021

A rich and balanced Pessac-Leognan red wine

The estate

An irresistibly charming and historic property located in the Pessac-Leognan appellation, Chateau Lespault-Martillac has experienced a quality-oriented renaissance. Since 2009, the operation of Chateau Lespault-Martillac has been entrusted to the Grand Cru Classe de Graves Domaine de Chevalier and Olivier Bernard. With great passion and determination, Olivier Bernard has elevated this estate to its very best through wines that exude terroir in the glass.

The vineyard

Chateau Lespault-Martillac produces Pessac-Leognan wines made from a vineyard of which 8 hectares are dedicated to the production of red wines and 1.5 hectares to the estate’s white wines. The vines are 40 years old on average and are planted on deep gravel soils resting on clay and gravel subsoils.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by extreme weather conditions. Seven episodes of spring frosts had a significant impact on the vineyard, followed by heavy rainfall between May and June, which led to a strong mildew pressure in July. The mild weather in September and October was ideal and helped to refine the ripening process. The grapes harvested showcased a very high quality and gave rise to a fine vintge, for red and white wines alike.

Vinification and aging

The hand-picked  grapes undergo several rigorous sorting processes both when harvested and subsequently in the cellar, before and after destemming. The grapes are transported by gravity flow into 50 to 80-hl temperature-controlled vats. The vinification process is accompanied by manual pumping over and punching down. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in barrels, as is the 14-month aging period (1/3 new barrels), the first four months of which are spent on lees.

The blend

Merlot (50%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (45%)

Petit Verdot (5%).

Chateau Lespault-Martillac 2021 wine: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Color

Brilliant, the color is a beautiful dark red.

Nose

The nose mixes fruity fragrances (ripe red and black fruits) with notes of leather, cocoa and spices. The gravelly soil gives a refreshing minerality.

Palate

Ample and pure, the palate is seduced by this wine’s concentration as well as its velvety and silky feel. Generous and well-balanced, the palate reveals intense fruity aromas and fine tannins that lead to a pleasant finish.

Cellaring

This Chateau Lespault-Martillac 2021 red wine can be cellared until around 2030.