Pessac-Leognan
In 1986 a new communal district was created within Graves, based on the districts of Pessac and Léognan. Pessac-Léognan has the best soils of the region, very similar to those of the Médoc, although the depth of gravel is more variable, and contains all the classed growths of the region. Some of its great names, including Ch. Haut-Brion, even sit serenely and resolutely in Bordeaux's southern urban sprawl.
Learn more about Pessac-Leognan
In 1986 a new communal district was created within Graves, in Bordeaux, based on the districts of Pessac and Léognan, the first of which lies within the suburbs of the city. Essentially this came about through pressure from Pessac-Léognan vignerons, who wished to disassociate themselves from growers with predominately sandy soils further south in Graves.
Pessac-Léognan has the best soils of the region, very similar to those of the Médoc, although the depth of gravel is more variable, and contains all the classed growths of the region. Some of its great names, including Ch. Haut-Brion, even sit serenely and resolutely in Bordeaux's southern urban sprawl.
The climate is milder than to the north of the city and the harvest can occur up to two weeks earlier. This gives the best wines a heady, rich and almost savoury character, laced with notes of tobacco, spice and leather. Further south, the soil is sandier with more clay, and the wines are lighter, fruity and suitable for earlier drinking.
Recommended Châteaux: Ch. Haut-Brion, Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion, Ch. Pape Clément, Ch Haut-Bailly, Domaine de Chevalier, Ch. Larrivet-Haut-Brion, Ch. Carmes Haut-Brion, Ch. La Garde, Villa Bel-Air.
Prices:
Bottle
£18.00
Bottle
£19.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl 26cs
With its deep, vibrant colour and pronounced cassis and cream on the nose, there is something instantly appealing about this classic Claret. The palate is filled with dark cherry and currant fruit, and there is a gentle lick of oak, with a long, rounded finish. Red wines from Pessac are traditionally very savoury, long-lived and the perfect foil to hearty food. This is a fraction more modern and can be enjoyed immediately, with a broad range of dishes.
Max Lalondrelle - Wine Buyer
Bottle
£19.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl 3cs
Starting with the 2009 vintage, the owners, the Jean-Claude Bolleau family, have entrusted management of this estate to Domaine de Chevalier, a Graves great growth.
Bottle
£22.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 8cs
Bottle
£24.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
89/100 Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Jan 2016
Bottle
£24.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 49cs
Bottle
£24.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 36cs
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28th Oct 2016
Bottle
£28.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl 51cs
Simon Staples, Berrys’ Fine Wine Director
Case price (Bottle 12 x 75cl)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 17cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle
£46.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 7cs
Ch La Tour Martillac is a good name in the Graves (now, of course, refined as Pessac-Léognan for the best communes), and one that carries Grand Cru Classé status for both its red and dry white wines. Arguably the estate was more famous for the latter in the past, but the reds have made very good progress in recent years and Michel Rolland is engaged as a consultant.
In earlier vintages under the Rolland banner the wine was perhaps too light for the level of new oak used, but adjustments of both now present themselves as well-matched in this example. La Tour Martillac has been owned and managed by the Kressmann family since the late 19th century and now under the stewardship of Tristan and Loïc Kressmann.
The tower that gives its name to this estate is all that remains of the 12th century fortification. Famously the gold and black label dates back to 1929, designed specifically for a bottle served in 1936 for the coronation of George Vl.
Mark Pardoe MW, BBR Wine Director
Bottle
£49.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 10cs
Bottle
£57.79
Bottle 12 x 75cl 35cs
89-92/100 Robert M. Parker, Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 7cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
55% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 66cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Magnum
£61.00
Magnum 6 x 150cl 5cs
Bottle
£62.59
Bottle 6 x 75cl 16cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
The harvest here was brought in in small stages as each plot reached optimum ripeness. The whole process took over a month, but tasting the wine it is evident that this painstaking care and attention has paid off for the charming Véronique Sanders. A beautifully classical, perfumed, stylish nose introduces a velvety palate that conceals the firm structure for which Haut-Bailly is renowned. A plump, generous and very long finish confirms the success of this rising star in 2003. This is a serious Claret of great depth and complexity. Bravo.
Simon Staples - Fine Wine Director
Case price (Bottle 12 x 75cl)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
Case price (Bottle 12 x 75cl)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 10cs
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate, June 2010
Special
£306.00
Special 1 x 150cl 64cs
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 8cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 3cs
Jake Dean - Fine Wine Sales Director
Case price (D. Magnum 1 x 300cl)
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl 1cs
Case price (Bottle 1 x 75cl)
Bottle 1 x 75cl 4cs
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Case price (Bottle 12 x 75cl)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Imperial 1 x 600cl 1cs
Stuart Fyfe, Personal Wine Advisor