2009 Château Malartic-Lagraviere

One of the finest vintages I've tasted from this estate, the 2009 Château Malartic-Lagravière knocks it out of the park with its gorgeous perfume of dark currants, black cherry, and cassis fruits interwoven with lots of green tobacco, damp earth, violets, and spice. This carries over to the palate, where this full-bodied wine delivers a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, just about flawless balance, and a great finish. This awesome Graves is in the early phase of its drink window and will cruise for another 10-15 years. Bravo!

The 2009 Malartic-Lagravière comprises a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a much more sumptuous bouquet compared to the 2010, rounded and sensual with black cherries, melted tar and crushed violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, the acidity a little lower than the 2010 and the tannins softer. There is enormous depth to this voluminous Malartic-Lagravière, gentle grip with a persistent tarry finish that suggests that it needs more bottle age. This is only a couple of steps behind the 2010 albeit cut from a different clothe. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Malartic-Lagravière.

The 2009 Malartic-Lagravière has a ripe, powerful, assertive bouquet with layers of blackberry, melted tar, cedar and touches of the sea. The warmth of the growing season just governs the style a little too much. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-tuned tannin and well judged acidity. I like the symmetry of this Malartic-Lagravière, and the tension towards the finish. This is vivacious and utterly pleasurable, but I think it has more to give. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting.