critic reviews
Excellent vintage at Malartic, rich plum colour, cocoa bean, black chocolate, anis and fennel, this is skilfully constructed. Peony and iris notes arrive through the mid palate, giving a focus on savoury Cabernet, cassis bud, mint leaf, elegant and well measured. You can see the building blocks and feel totally confident about how well it will develop over the next decade and beyond - suggest waiting at least six to eight years before opening. Great stuff from the Bonnie family, who continue to make this an unmissable Pessac. 38.95hl/ha yield.
The 2023 Malartic Lagravière has a tightly wound nose with blueberry and blackberry fruit, touches of iris flower and peony. The oak here is nicely integrated, yet it needs more vigor and terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit. This is nicely structured with a fine line of acidity, though a touch more detail would help the finish. Tasted from two different bottles, the 2023 is a serious Pessac-Léognan, but I found myself more drawn to the 2022 last year. I prefer the estate's impressive white counterpart.
The 2023 Malartic Lagraviere has a deep garnet-purple color. It bursts from the glass with bold notions of kirsch, wild blueberries, and cassis, plus nuances of pencil lead, tar, and cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is coated with ripe, expressive black and blue fruits, supported by plush tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing earthy.
The 2023 Malartic Lagraviere, a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, exudes aromas of dark wild berries, violet, mulberries, spices and licorice, complemented with a delicate touch of oak. Medium to full-bodied, supple and elegant with bright acids and a delicate mid-palate, its refined and less structured than the 2022 vintage, making it a classic expression from this estate.