Chateau Lespault-Martillac 2020

Lespault-Martillac is a relatively lesser-known but remains one of the oldest estates in Martillac. This estate is located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation within the Graves region of Bordeaux. It is part of the prestigious Bordeaux wine-making area, which is known for producing both red and white wines of exceptional quality. 

While Château Lespault-Martillac has a long history, dating back to Roman times, the modern era for Château Lespault-Martillac began in 2009, when property owner Jean Claude Bolleau signed a long-term lease with Olivier Bernard of Domaine de Chevalier. Managed by the same Domaine de Chevalier winemaking team, Château Lespault-Martillac has the same processes and philosophy: “90 percent of the work is done in the vineyards, and the remaining 10 percent is done in the vat room”. The Lespault-Martillac vineyard covers 8 hectares, 7 of which are dedicated to red wines, mainly planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

Château Lespault-Martillac has embraced sustainable viticulture in recent years, working towards environmentally responsible farming methods that limit the use of chemicals and emphasize biodiversity in the vineyard. This approach reflects the estate’s respect for its terroir and a commitment to producing wines that are in harmony with nature. The estate achieved 100% biodynamic certification for its white wines in 2023, with plans for red wines to follow in 2024. 

The Lespault-Martillac 2020 red wine presents a brilliant, deep, and highly attractive color. Its intense and complex bouquet is captivating, bursting with the aromas of ripe red and black berries, including plum jam, blackberries, and blueberries, all beautifully enhanced by the fresh, mineral notes of the deep-gravel terroir. On the palate, the wine reveals an elegant structure and finesse, offering a well-integrated, soft, and silky mouthfeel. The good acidity of the fruit, combined with subtle minty undertones from the terroir, contributes to its overall balance and exquisite character.

"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." - Jeb Dunnuck, (03/30/2023), Ratings: 94

"The 2020 Lespault-Martillac is a gorgeous, effusive wine. Succulent dark plum, blood orange, menthol, licorice, mocha and blood orange all flesh out in this ample, beautifully resonant Graves. All the elements are so well-balanced. Plush contours and silky tannins add to its immense charm. What a beautiful wine this is. The aromatics are especially on point. Tasted two times." - Antonio Gallloni, (02/24/2023), Ratings: 94

"The 2020 Lespault-Martillac has a deep purple-black color and needs a little swirling to unlock wonderfully pure notes of crushed black plums, fresh blackberries and black cherries with touches of redcurrants, cinnamon toast and garrigue, plus a hint of wet slate. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers fantastic tension and firm, finely grained tannins with an impressive intensity of black fruit and mineral layers, finishing long with an herbal lift. Impressive showing!" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, (05/20/2021), Ratings: 92-94