Malartic Lagraviere 2009 (750ML)

94 VM / 94 DE / 93+ WA / 93 JS / 92+ RP / 92 WS

The 2009 Malartic-Lagravière is a little simpler on the nose than I would have anticipated. Touches of black olive and sea spray infuse the black fruit, yet the delineation and clarity deserve applause. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, and fine grip. A very well balanced, quintessential Pessac finish, just a touch of clove and white pepper lingers on the aftertaste. Excellent and very refined. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media March 2019

This is a very good wine, showcasing Pessac finesse without trying too hard. The sense of restraint works beautifully with the richness of the vintage. It has lovely balance and integrity, the juicy black fruits countering firm tannins. It's just about ready to drink, and there's lots of pleasure to be had here. Great job - I tasted it recently at the estate too, which confirmed the success of this wine. Drinking Window 2019 - 2034 - Jane Anson, Decanter February 2019

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. - LPB, Wine Advocate March 2019

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. James Suckling

Probably the best wine that has come from this estate, along with their 2005, the final blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot boasts Michel Rolland as the consulting oenologist. This organically farmed vineyard has turned out a deeply layered wine with a striking perfume of graphite, wet stones, red and black currants, tobacco leaf and underbrush. The compelling aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied but intensely concentrated wine with loads of ripe fruit, plenty of glycerin (14% natural alcohol) and a long, nuanced, impressively endowed finish. Accessible already, this wine should continue to drink well for 15 or more years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Packed and very backward, with taut tobacco, iron and bittersweet cocoa notes up front, while the core of crushed plum, roasted fig and cassis flavors is held in reserve. Lots of chalky grip marks the finish, where the fruit drips in the background. Best from 2015 through 2022. 7,500 cases made. James Molesworth, Wine Spectator