Malartic Lagraviere 2011

Vivid, expressive, juicy and concentrated, the 2011 Malartic Lagraviere comes from good-sized estate of 131 acres, of which 17 are dedicated to their excellent white wine. Made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a supple, medium to full-bodied texture with no hard edges, an opulence and exuberance that provide lots of seductiveness, and tell-tale notes of burning embers, charcoal, kirsch liqueur and black currant fruit. Drink this impressive 2011 over the next two decades. Only 55% of the production made it into the grand vin. The natural alcohol is 13.5%.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2034 01 April 2014

The 2011 Malartic Lagraviere has a ripe blackberry and mulberry scented bouquet with good fruit extraction and purity, perhaps a little more refined than the de Fieuzal tasted alongside. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, almost mouth puckering tannins. It is missing a little fruit in the middle and the finish is showing a touch of hardness and obduracy. Another sample was showing better lightness of touch and harmony and I suspect that this is more representative. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 89 - 91

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

Good tarry style, with plum skin and briar notes lending a grippy edge while the core of blackberry and crushed black cherry lies in reserve.

Score: 89 - 92

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 11 April 2012