Malartic Lagraviere Rouge 2020 (750ML)

96 WCI / 95-97 WE / 95 VM / 95 JD / 95 JS / 94 DE / 94 JA / 93 WA / 93 WI / 93 FS / 17 JR

Master Award - Drinks Business Bordeaux Masters 2023

The 2020 Malartic-Lagravière, which represents just 40% of the total production, was cropped at 26hL/ha. It has a very delineated nose with intense blackberry, raspberry, sous-bois and incense aromas that just "sing" of Pessac-Léognan. The palate is medium-bodied, finely-knit tannins, fresh and vibrant with beguiling purity. Harmonious and silky smooth, it belies the depth and complexity of this marvelous Malartic. This is superb and it will mature beautifully in bottle. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

The 2020 Malartic Lagravière, whose picking was completed on September 24, before the rains, has a bright, vivid nose of mineral-infused red fruit mixed with hints of blueberry and cassis. Very focused and precise, this is an aromatically sophisticated Pessac-Léognan. The palate is medium-bodied with graphite-tinged black fruit, hints of wild mint coming through, and lively and tensile toward the finish. This is one of the best vintages of Malartic Lagravière that I have encountered out of bottle. Ignore at your peril. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Coming in at close to equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the 2020 Château Malartic-Lagravière is another brilliant 2020 Pessac-Léognan with loads to offer. Expressive notes of red and black fruit, sweet tobacco, lead pencil, and camphor all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a forward, seamless, sexy profile that already offers pleasure. The tannins are present yet integrated and perfectly ripe, it's balanced, and I suspect it will evolve for a solid two decades or more. Tasted twice. The blend is 50.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47.8% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that hit 14.2% natural alcohol. - Jeb Dunnuck

Blackberries and licorice with blackcurrants. Mushroom, too. Medium to full body. Creamy and soft tannins that are fine textured. Delicious finish. Racy, polished and sophisticated. Drink after 2026. -James Suckling 

Sweet and aromatic fresh black fruits and flowers on the nose. Sensual and nicely round on the palate, this has body and nuance with crunchy fruit that have a lovely almost sour tang to it, vibrant and vivid. Still has quite a dark, almost sombre core, brooding with liquorice and slate giving the dark tone as well as blackcurrant and black plum fruit. Feels sculpted though, gently muscular with power and precision. I really like this. You could drink this straight away such is the balance and overall flavour profile but it’ll age well. Impressive with lovely texture, weight and length. - GH, Decanter

Huge depth, such beautiful texture running right through the palate, love the brambled juicy blueberry and blackberry fruits, crunchy and concentrated. Excellent quality. 65% new oak, harvest from 9 to 24 September, Eric Boislsenot consultant. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Aromas of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and spices introduce the 2020 Malartic Lagravière, a medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless wine with a deep core of fruit, polished tannins and succulent acids. This nicely balanced, suave and flavorful Pessac will offer a broad drinking window. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Composed of 50.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47.8% Merlot, and 1.8% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Malartic Lagraviere Rouge is deep garnet-purple in color, it strolls out with confident cassis and blackberry pie scents, leading to wafts of cedar, underbrush, and bay leaves. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly wound, with vibrant black fruits and a grainy texture, finishing long and refreshing. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent