Malartic Lagravière rouge - Pessac-Léognan 2015

Vinous

94

byNeal Martinthe7/10/2019

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 not what you might describe as an "exciting" wine, but it is well crafted and it will reward bottle age. One for the patient among you. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Jancis Robinson

17

byJancis Robinsonthe4/1/2018

Bordeaux 2015 - Pessac-Léognan and Graves reds | Articles | JancisRobinson.com Dark crimson. Lively, putty nose - very lifted on the nose but then rather rich and sweet on the palate. Appetising, really mineral finish. Good stuff. Drink 2025-2040

Wine Advocate

94

byNeal Martinthe3/2/2018

 The Malartic Lagraviere 2015 Blanc, a blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Sémillon, has a crisp, marine-scented bouquet with hints of sea spray and oyster shell intermixed with the citrus fruit and Granny Smith apples. I appreciate the subtlety here, the manner in which it gradually unfolds in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a fine thread of acidity, very saline, very expressive of its terroir with a bitter edge on the animated, tensile finish. What a superb white from Malartic Lagravière. Anticipated maturity: 2019 - 2032. 

Vinous

96

byAntonio Gallonithe2/27/2018

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.

Wine Advocate

92

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

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.

Wine Spectator

92

byJames Molesworththe2/15/2018

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. Best from 2020 through 2028. 10,000 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

96

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

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. Best from 2022.

Jeb DUNNUCK

92

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

Jancis Robinson

17

byJulia Harding MWthe11/8/2017

Dark crimson. Smells deep and dark and promising. Rich, chewy and less typically Pessac but lots going on. Full and sturdy and with bags of fruit to fill out this relatively powerful Pessac. Long and embryonic

Wine Advocate

94-96

byNeal Martinthe5/29/2016

The 2015 Malartic-Lagraviere is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot that was harvested between 21 September and 7 October at 43 hl/ha, matured in 80% new oak. It has a tightly wound bouquet, a little more reticent than its peers at first, opening gradually with blackberry, raspberry coulis and strawberry pastilles. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, a keen line of acidity, fresh and brisk with plenty of mineralité on the finish. This is a classic, serious Malartic with huge potential. Chapeau to the Bonnie family for creating a stupendous Pessac-Léognan. Drink 2020-2050

Decanter.com

93

byJane Ansonthe5/2/2016

Dark, rich, serious, well-extracted fruit; firm but with just the right pressure on the pedal. One that will age very well, continuing a run of strong vintages here. Cinnamon and black pepper spice from 7% Petit Verdot – increasingly common in Pessac-Léognan. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, 80% new oak. 2025-2038

The Wine Cellar Insider

93-95

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

This is probably the best vintage of Malartic Lagraviere to date! Soft, round and polished, with lush fruits and silky tannins, this wine has depth, texture and roundness -- but it is not for the oak averse. Produced from a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.8% alcohol. The harvest took place from September 21 to October 7.

Vinous

95-97

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 Malartic Lagravière is a total rock star. Deep, powerful and exotic, the 2015 sweeps across the palate with stunning richness and intensity. The creamy voluptuousness of the vintage is on full display. The blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc works beautifully here. Rich, unctuous and also super-expressive, the 2015 is bursting at the seams with intensity. Dark cherry, mocha, plum and spice notes meld into the huge, effortless finish. This is an utterly thrilling wine from Malartic Lagravière, but it is also tightly wound and in need of serious cellaring. This is another stellar showing from the Bonnie family and consultant Michel Rolland. Don't miss it!

timatkin.com

93

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Jamessuckling.com

96-97

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

This shows fabulous depth of fruit and ripe tannins that last for minutes. Full body. Insane finish. Powerful. Greatest ever from here.

Wine Spectator

91-94

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

Offers a sleek, fresh feel, with plum and cassis notes streaming along, carried by a tarry hint. Stays lively through the defined finish.—J.M.