Chateau Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classe, Rouge 2009

Great poise and character, these were the years when Malartic was taking a step up, and the 2009 has more than stood the test of time. Supple tannins that have a hidden kick, with a punch of dark fruits layered behind. Great stuff, enjoyable, fresh but confident signoff of concentrated blackcurrant puree and cigar box.

Aromas of blueberries, spices and bark follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a long silky textured finish. Very fine indeed. Best ever from here. Try it in 2017.

The 2009 Malartic Lagravière is medium to deep garnet colored and reveals alluring scents of warm cassis, redcurrant jelly, spice cake, forest floor and potpourri with hints of unsmoked cigar. Medium-bodied, it has a firm, fine-grained texture and plenty of freshness supporting the vibrant red and black fruit layers, finishing on a lingering earthy note.

The 2009 Malartic-Lagravière comprises a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a much more sumptuous bouquet compared to the 2010, rounded and sensual with black cherries, melted tar and crushed violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, the acidity a little lower than the 2010 and the tannins softer. There is enormous depth to this voluminous Malartic-Lagravière, gentle grip with a persistent tarry finish that suggests that it needs more bottle age. This is only a couple of steps behind the 2010 albeit cut from a different clothe. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Malartic-Lagravière.

(a blend of 59% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot, and 3% petit verdot; 13.6% alcohol; pH 3.7; 75 IPT) Inky purple. The initially closed nose opens slowly with air to reveal very ripe black plum and blackberry syrup aromas complicated by underbrush and plenty of sweet oak. Enters soft and creamy, but with lively acids framing the ripe black fruit and herbal flavors. Finishes long and very minerally, with a dense, tactile mouth feel. This very impressive wine borders on overripeness yet manages to stay fresh and lively. The dusty tannins will require at least a few years of bottle aging to resolve fully.

Good medium red-ruby. Complex aromas and flavors of red and black cherry, dark plum, mocha, licorice pastille, tar and hot rocks. Supple, suave and broad but not overly sweet, with an edge of acidity keeping the wine fresh throughout and leavening its thickness of texture. With its firm, buildng tannins, this concentrated, youthful wine calls for at least five years of patience.