Château Malartic Lagravière, Cru Classé, Pessac Léognan, 2009
Alexandre Bonnie's 2009 really impressed the J&B team. It is the result of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Yields were low in 2009, just 32hl/ha, but the quality is outstanding. The bouquet is really perfumed, with heady notes blueberries, liquorice, damp earth and super ripe black fruits. There is lovely density here with clear unbridled griotte cherries, loganberries and a touch of spice. This possesses a wonderfully velvety texture with wave after wave of delicious fruit and really fine grained tannins. By 2009 levels, this has a relatively low alcohol level of 13.5%.
critic reviews
Great poise and character, these were the years when Malartic was taking a step up, and the 2009 has more than stood the test of time. Supple tannins that have a hidden kick, with a punch of dark fruits layered behind. Great stuff, enjoyable, fresh but confident signoff of concentrated blackcurrant puree and cigar box.
The 2009 Malartic-Lagravière comprises a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a much more sumptuous bouquet compared to the 2010, rounded and sensual with black cherries, melted tar and crushed violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, the acidity a little lower than the 2010 and the tannins softer. There is enormous depth to this voluminous Malartic-Lagravière, gentle grip with a persistent tarry finish that suggests that it needs more bottle age. This is only a couple of steps behind the 2010 albeit cut from a different clothe. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Malartic-Lagravière.