2015 Malartic Lagraviere

The 2015 Malartic-Lagravière has a forward and intense bouquet of kirsch, orange rind and light camphor aromas percolating through with time. This may be overly ripe. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and forward with succulent tannins. This misses the nuance of its peers and feels a bit brash on the finish, but this is still enjoyable. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting.

A clear success at this estate, more generous than the 2014, with confident sculpted dark berry fruits, graphite, crayon, gunsmoke and dark berry spice. Really stepping into its role as one of the go-to Pessac classifieds, expertly overseen by the Bonnie family, Michel Rolland consultant. 80% new oak. Tasted separately to the rest of the horizontal.

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.