2010 Latour Martillac

A darker feel overall than the 2009 - bilberry, cassis, blackberry notes, shot through with the sharper acidities of redcurrant and raspberry to add lift. The tannins remain just a touch austere at 11 years old, but you can begin to drink this with a good carafe, or wait for things to relax and soften a little more over the next two to three years. 40% new oak.

The 2010 La Tour Martillac vindicates itself as perhaps the "insiders' choice" from Pessac-Léognan. 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.

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.