2015 Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan
SKU #1388648
96 points
Decanter
Displaying the more highly-charged, well ripened character that you would expect from a 2015, this is rich and silky, showing incredible texture. It combines plump black fruits with the most gorgeous liquorice and dark chocolate in a coiled, restrained sexiness. It's totally moreish without being over the top, with a lovely lift of acidity - although it was a hot vintage, there were cool nights. A brilliant effort. 5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. (JA)
(12/2018)
96 points
James Suckling
Deeper wine from the get-go with dark violets, mocha, cassis and blackberries. The palate has suave, smooth and sturdy tannins and terrific length. Very polished and seamless with flavors of fresh black cherries, blackcurrants and blue plums.
(2/2018)
96 points
Vinous
The 2015 Malartic Lagravière is just as fabulous from bottle as it was from barrel. Rich, voluptuous and dramatic, it captures all of the natural intensity of the year. Black cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, licorice and French oak build into a crescendo of stunning aromas, flavors and textures. This is in an especially dark, sumptuous style, but it all works beautifully. The 2015 was positively thrilling each of the three times I tasted it. (AG) 96+
(2/2018)
96 points
Wine Enthusiast
Full of black-currant flavor, this firm wine has structure and a rich texture. Its bolstering tannins and vibrant acidity mark out an age-worthy selection. Spice tones and a dry core set the stage for a slow development into an even more complex and fulfilling wine. *Cellar Selection* (RV)
(4/2018)
92 points
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Malartic-Lagravière is also terrific and comes from a 46-hectare vineyard in Léognan. Made from 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it offers a smorgasbord of aromatics including red currants, ripe cherries, cassis, licorice, toasty oak, and spice. With full-bodied richness, building tannin, and a rounded, sumptuous style, as well as a great finish, it’s going to benefit from several years in the cellar and keep for 15-20 years.
(11/2017)
92 points
Wine Advocate
Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 80% of which were new and 20% one-year-old, the 2015 Malartic Lagraviere is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has notes of crushed black currants, fresh black berries and black raspberries with hints of tar, dried herbs and garrigue. The palate is medium-bodied, energetic and refreshing in the mouth with firm, grainy tannins and an uplifting finish. (LPB)
(2/2018)
92 points
Wine Spectator
A slightly high-pitched style, with a mix of red currant and raspberry fruit laced with rooibos tea and blood orange notes. A good snap of licorice adds weight on the finish, showing a flash of tar. Has sneaky depth and should evolve well in the cellar. (JM)
(3/2018)
Jancis Robinson
Tremendous fruit ripeness – blackcurrant and plum with oak just giving an echo of spice on the nose. It’s the kind of ripeness that would have been unthinkable for Bordeaux of old. The tannin is still very punchy, although it has a softness that makes it drinkable even now. Excellent stuff! 17.5/20 points (RH)
(5/2017)
K&L Notes
94 points Neal Martin for Vinous: "The 2015 Malartic-Lagravière is bolder than its peers on the nose with blackberry, raspberry, iodine and light cedar aromas, quite upfront but nicely defined, pencil lead scents emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, and well balanced. Pencil lead again, and infused black fruit toward the finish … it is well crafted and it will reward bottle age. One for the patient among you." (07/2019)
