Château Malartic-Lagravière 2021

Promising red-berry aromatics; a clean, straightforward attack, slender and racy development, great finesse of the tannins, very long finish, Cabernet-driven.

Soft but fresh, with charm to the damson plum and loganberry fruit, while dashes of iris and potpourri fill in the background. Reveals a late cedar echo on the relatively gentle finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 10,000 cases made.

Sleek and pristine with a nice crystalline edge; it’s light and lean, driven in a straight line from start to finish, yet it has a sense of finesse, never trying too hard. I love the salty finish, a touch of black tea and some liquorice notes. Good weight and balance, with plenty of drinkability and a lovely lift on the finish that many lack. Fun, friendly, and it really sustains. A great effort.

Dark crimson. Scented with leafy black fruit. Light in every way but balanced in its lightness, if a little drying on the finish. (JH)

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.

Cherries, flowers, tobacco, and smoke in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant, and crisp, with brightness, lift, and energy that show in the dusty red fruits, along with spearmint and a hint of cocoa that shines at the end of the finish. With the 2021 vintage, things changed at Malartic Lagraviere when they brought in Eric Boissenot as their new consultant. You can easily taste the major shift in the style of wine being produced, which is accentuated by the vintage conditions. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2025–2040.

Dark ruby garnet colour with purple reflections, delicate brightening on the rim. Notes of blackberries with delicate wood savouriness in the background, ripe heart cherries, light orange zest, mineral touch. Juicy, ripe cherries, subtle fruitiness, fine acidity, mineral and lemony, balanced, already well-developed and approachable.

Black raspberries, redcurrants, tobacco, and floral/violet notes all emerge from the 2021 Château Malartic-Lagravière, a medium-bodied, supple, incredibly elegant 2021 with fine tannins. This layered, elegant Péssac-Léognan will surprise in the cellar due to its overall balance. The 2021 is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, and it saw a slightly shorter maceration than normal (21 days) and was brought up in 65% new oak.

Kunz barrel sample 2022: (67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 45.25 hl/ha, 12.8% alc./vol., production 118,800 bottles) Powerful, spicy bouquet of blueberries, cassis, herbs, cedar, mocha yogurt. Elegant, fresh, fragrant palate with delicate, sweet fruit, elegant structure, intense aromatics, fine tannins, long, powerful finish. Still has room to improve.

(67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 45.25 hl/ha, 12.8% alc./vol., production 118,800 bottles) Powerful, spicy bouquet with blueberries, cassis, herbs, cedar, mocha yogurt. Elegant, fresh, fragrant palate with fine, sweet fruit, an elegant structure, powerful aromatics, fine tannins, and a long, robust finish. Can improve further. 17/20 2028 - 2048

Plentiful tannins carefully hold the fruit in place, showing layers of aniseed, fennel, rosemary 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 a quality-driven approach to everything, and it should age well. One point upscore, tasted twice. 42.25 hl/ha yield, Eric Boissenot consultant. Harvest from September 29 to October 19. 65% new oak.

The 2021 Malartic Lagraviere has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It opens with slightly reduced notes of tar and rubber, before giving way to a core of blackberries and boysenberries, plus a touch of sautéed herbs. The medium-bodied palate has a sturdy frame of chewy tannins and just enough freshness to support the muscular fruit, finishing earthy.

A rather captivating nose thanks to its delicacy, revealing notes of crisp fruit and flowers. On the palate, the wine is fine, lively, and fruity, with sappy notes and plenty of indulgence on the finish.

Malartic Lagravière is very convincing right from the start! The complexity of its bouquet plays a major role, with nuances of peony, cherries, and red berries. Harmonious, the wine has supportive tannins, while the acidic structure gives it plenty of energy! A fine, sapid wine.

Beautiful dark color. Very aromatic nose with pure, ripe, and floral fruit. Delicate on the attack, flavorful at mid-palate, the wine develops on a slender, caressing body. Normal length, with fine tannins and above all aromatic. Blend: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc.

This is a beautifully structured and textured wine, with rich black fruits that exude style. It is an impressive wine from an estate that is at the top of its form. Drink from 2027.