Chateau Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classe, Rouge 2023

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.

Very pretty and polished with blackberry, blueberry and ink character, as well as a hint of hazelnut. It’s medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins to the fruit. Fine and flavorful finish.

Based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc and aged in 60% new French oak with the balance in second-fill barrels, the 2023 Château Malartic-Lagravière is a gorgeous, round, and layered effort showing ripe cherries, cassis, spicy wood, and graphite on the nose. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with supple tannins and terrific overall balance. It's not massive, but it shines for its purity and finesse, and it's very much in the classic, balanced style of the vintage. Drink this outstanding Pessac-Léognan over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2026-2046.

The 2023 Malartic Lagravière expresses the terroir and character of Pessac-Léognan with style: blackberry and wild strawberry, black olive and marine scents, just a hint of Japanese wakame. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, smooth and harmonious, classic Bordeaux and proud of it. This is unequivocally a cut above many other Pessac-Léognan wines tasted in Bordeaux.

The 2023 Malartic Lagravière is an attractive Grand Vin, one that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Dark-toned fruit, leather, incense, licorice, grilled herbs, tobacco and chocolate open nicely. Medium in body, with good energy, the 2023 offers fine near- and medium-term appeal. There is a bit of edginess in the tannins that will benefit from some time in bottle.

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.

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.