critic reviews
The 2022 Malartic-Lagravière has a more outgoing and expressive nose than Domaine de Chevalier or Smith Haut-Lafitte, yet it too has impressive complexity and convincing terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. A lovely, fleshy mid-palate, quite caressing in style, with fine acidity and a healthy dose of black pepper on the finish. Excellent, a Malartic-Lagravière that pushes some of the pricier names of the appellation. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
This Pessac-Léognan is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc. The nose is rich in sweet and darkly focused fruit, with desiccated dried cherry, coffee bean and red rose petals. It feels completely integrated and fresh at the start of the palate, with an easy-going sense of balance, the substance polished and composed, with a midpalate structure of finely drawn-out tannins wrapping up concentrated currant and dried cherry fruits. A very classy composition, with powdery tobacco oak in the background and running into the finish, where it plays with the tannic grip, all of which will integrate given tine. All in all this brims with classy and understated potential. A wise buy. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 14%.
The Bonnie family is on a roll at this excellent property. Dense and concentrated but with finesse and acidity, this has a beautiful balance, and a creaminess to the fruit that is superb. Appealing pulses of white pepper and sage spice, well drawn out through the palate, exceptional skill shown during ageing at controlling the oak impact. Yields in the low 30hl/h, but maintains freshness. Vinified in a mix of small wooden casks and stainless steel vats, aged in oak.
A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Malartic Lagraviere reveals aromas of cassis, blueberry, spices, graphite and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, round and concentrated with structuring tannins, its a dense, powerful, demonstrative Malartic Lagraviere.