Lacroix-Martillac Red

Surface of production for red :40 ha (total surface: 50 ha)
Nature of the soil : Gűnz gravel from the Quaternary period, on the plateau above the village of Martillac
Grape varieties: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon; 40% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot
Pruning: Double Guyot system for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cordon system for Merlot and Petit Verdot
Density of planting : 7200 feet/ha
Average age of the vineyard : 25 years
Vineyard management : Traditional methods with mechanical ploughing. Sustainable Vine Protection.
Green harvesting by hand: Desuckering, excess bud removal, leaf thinning, removal of secondary shoots.

A mild and very wet winter led to an early and even budbreak. The wet weather lasted all the way through Spring accompanied by some very cool temperatures. Miraculously, full flowering took place between the 7th and the 11th of June which was a 5-day period of lovely weather and relatively hot temperatures. These conditions encouraged a quick and uniform flowering followed by a good return of fruit. The midpoint of the colour change of the berries happened around the 10th of August, with excellent uniformity across all the grape varieties. Despite these unpredictable swings of Nature; the heat and the absence of rain, the vines could maintain a healthy foliage right up to the beginning of the harvest thanks both to the water reserves and to the ploughing of the plots. Harvesting started 8 days late. Light showers at the beginning of September and a lovely Indian summer during the picking meant that all the grape varieties achieved perfect ripeness and a healthy condition placing the 2016 vintage among the great vintages.

Period of harvest
From September 23rd to October 21st, 2016

Blending
60% Merlot – 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting notes
The 2016 Lacroix-Martillac, a rich garnet red with purple reflections. The nose reveals ripe fruit backed by smokey aromas. The palate is rich and fruity with a presence of powerful but rounded tannins. A long fresh finish. Drinking over the next 10 years.»

Optimal Tasting
2021-2026

Service Température
Between 16°C / 61°F and 18°C / 64°F.