Château Malartic Lagravière, Cru Classé, Pessac Léognan,

Plentiful tanins carefully holding the fruit in place, showing layers of aniseed, feenel, rosemarary and sage. Plenty of black fruits, it is young and subdued with some angular tannins at this point, less voluptuous than in recent vintages but this is an estate that takes an quality approach to everything, and this should age well. One point upscore, tasted twice. 42.25hl/h yield, Eric Boissenot consultant. Harvest September 29 to October 19. 65% new oak.

A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Malartic Lagraviere is deep garnet-purple in color. It skips out with bright, vibrant notes of black and red currant jelly, raspberry coulis, and forest floor with touches of lavender and pencil lead. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is delicate and refreshing with soft tannins and a mineral-tinged finish.

The 2021 Malartic Lagravière, which has a little more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, has an attractive bouquet—not amazingly intense, yet delineated with predominantly black fruit, black olive and light estuarine scents. It feels focused, though without the frills. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of orange rind on the entry. Finely integrated oak here lends this Pessac-Léognan an appealing silky texture, and it fans out gracefully toward the finish. This feels like it has evolved nicely during its barrel maturation, and it should drink well for 20 to 25 years.