2012 Ch. Lespault-Martillac Blanc, Pessac-Léognan
Critics reviews
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #206 - Apr 2013
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com - April 2013
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #206 - Apr 2013
About this WINE
Ch. Lespault Martillac
Organic methods are used to prepare the soil and fight off any pests in the vineyard. Although small in size and only producing a low yield, the grapes from the vineyard are of very high quality due to the care and attention they receive.
The red grape varieties in the vineyard comprise 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. The white grape varieties consist of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon.
Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon
The blend used for White Graves and Sauternes and rarely encountered outside France. In the great dry whites of Graves, Sauvignon Blanc tends to predominate in the blend, although properties such as Smith Haut Lafite use 100% Sauvignon Blanc while others such as Laville Haut Brion have as much as 60% Sémillon in their final blends. Sauvignon Blanc wines can lose their freshness and fruit after a couple of years in bottle - if blended with Sémillon, then the latter bolsters the wine when the initial fruit from the Sauvignon fades. Ultimately Sauvignon Blanc gives the wine its aroma and raciness while Sémillon gives it backbone and longevity.
In Sauternes, Sémillon is dominant, with Sauvignon Blanc playing a supporting role - it is generally harvested about 10 days before Sémillon and the botrytis concentrates its sweetness and dampens Sauvignon Blanc`s naturally pungent aroma. It contributes acidity, zip and freshness to Sauternes and is an important component of the blend.
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Description
I rarely see this wine, but the 2012 is impressive. A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon that achieved 14% natural alcohol, it was made under the management of Domaine Chevalier’s proprietor, Olivier Bernard. It exhibits notes of honeyed citrus, orange marmalade, lemon blossom and subtle oak in a rich, full-bodied, dry, impressively concentrated style. Drink to 2020.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #206 - Apr 2013
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