Château Malartic-Lagravière 2023

Open, cool profile with red cherries, raspberries and rhubarb; lively, fresh on the attack, delicate fruit, fine, ripe tannins, very good length and a spicy finish. A refined, light-footed Malartic built for mid-term ageing.

One of the rare wines that does not entirely confirm the expectations formed at the en primeur stage, the 2023 Malartic Lagravière reveals aromas of cigar wrapper, smoke, cassis and oak, underscored by a slightly carnal nuance. Medium- to full-bodied, structured and tannic, it is firm and somewhat rustic on the finish. Time in the cellar will be required for it to harmonize and fully reveal its potential.

Plump and generous, with cassis and black cherry compote notes that sparkle with mesquite, violet, iris and savory hints. The sleek structure harnesses the fruit nicely, giving this a stylish finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2037. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 11,800 cases made.

95-97. Barrel Sample. The wine has powerful tannins as well as ripe smoky fruits. With its red-fruit aroma and a salinity that is typical of Bordeaux, it is a fine, structured wine with black fruits and layers of tannins. It will age well.

Gorgeous fragrance, quite dark and perfumed, dark chocolate, spice and graphite. Smooth and supple, nicely agile in the glass. Good weight - it’s sleek but this has bounce and great charm. Juicy and lively, but an almost sweet rather than sour juiciness which slowly expands in the mouth. Feels calm and collected, charming and suave. Nothing out of place with just gripping, saline, liquorice and graphite-edged tannins. Still a bit compact on the finish, but this has a long length. Really lovely, streamlined and feels finessed. High definition tannins and long minty finish. 15-16% press. 3.74pH. 50% grand vin production. Yields of 39hl/ha for the reds.

Espresso, smoke, flowers, black cherries, licorice, and cinnamon fill the aromatic profile. The palate is even better with its display of round, soft, creamy, yet, vibrant red and black fruits. There is a hint of espresso, spice and mint in the finish adding complexity in the wine. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2028-2050.

Thoroughly impressed with this wine En Primeur, and it delivers on expectations now in bottle, luscious raspberry, cassis, mint leaf, full of character and balance, appellation typicity with floral notes that add lift, savoury while still being creamy and mouthwatering. Great stuff from the Bonnie family, who continue to make this an unmissable Pessac. 38.95hl/ha yield.

Score: 92–94. “Juicy” is the first word that comes to mind for this opulent, alluring nose, revealing aromas of dark fruits (wild blackberries, crushed raspberries, freshly picked cherries straight from the tree). Freshness is the guiding theme on the palate, reminiscent of a stroll along the coast. The finish is elegantly crafted, precise and savoury, lifted by a peppery touch on the end.

The nose is mineral, fruity, refined, elegant and complex. It offers a lovely silky texture, with notes of boysenberry, violet and, more subtly, roasted wild strawberry, along with delicate touches of blueberry, lilac, and a discreetly iodine-like hint, graphite and a subtle toasted note. The palate is beautifully mineral, fresh and balanced, delivering silkiness, freshness and fine tension. It reveals notes of juicy, fleshy blackberry, vibrant raspberry and, more subtly, fresh, bright blueberry, along with touches of sour cherry, as well as hints of blueberry, infusion and a subtle touch of star anise and mocha. Good length. Savoury, mellow tannins. Lovely freshness and minerality.

Dark, beautiful purple color. Very aromatic nose, with ripe, subtle fruit. Delicate on the attack, with a classy, refined texture and good presence, the wine develops gracefully and, on the finish, is more fragrant than ever. Altogether, very hard to spit out.