The 2016 Malartic-Lagravière is a Bordeaux blend consisting of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Produced by Malartic-Lagravière in the Pessac-Léognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France, this red wine is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 13.5%.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 92. Reviewer Lisa Perrotti-Brown described it as "medium to deep garnet-purple in color," with an opening bouquet of "wild blueberries and black cherries with cassis, bay leaves and dark chocolate nuances plus a hint of charcoal." She noted its "lively backbone" and "solid frame of ripe, rounded tannins," finishing with "an herbal lift."
Wine Spectator also gave it a score of 92, highlighting its "bright cherry, plum, and currant pâte de fruit flavors" with a "racy edge." JM praised its "roasted apple wood, sweet tobacco, and red licorice notes," concluding that it is "thoroughly delicious" and can be enjoyed now or cellared until 2030.
Vinous' Antonio Galloni rated it slightly higher at 94, noting an "intriguing interplay of rich red/purplish berry fruit and fresher, brighter notes." He remarked on the "lavender, rose petal, and mint" that add "striking high-toned nuances," and called it "impressively delicious today."
James Suckling gave the wine an excellent score of 96, admiring the "deep and complex nose" where "cassis and mint of Cabernet Sauvignon are beautifully married to the more generous blackberry of ripe Merlot." He described the palate as "ripe yet delicate," with "fine-grained tannins" and a "very long finish."
Wine Enthusiast also awarded it a 96, emphasizing its "richly structured" nature with "powerful flavors of black currant and dark berries." The review recommended aging the wine, suggesting it be consumed after 2026.
Jeb Dunnuck rated it 94, highlighting its "deep purple color" and "beautiful cassis, tobacco, crushed rocks, and subtle incense aromas." He described it as "balanced, medium to full-bodied, and straight-up seamless on the palate."
Decanter's review, which also gave it a 96, noted the wine's "rich and deep" color and "restrained grilled berry fruits." The wine was described as "poised," with "liquorice and slate notes" becoming clearer after some time in the glass.
Finally, Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com scored it 95, praising its "round, plush, polished" character and "silky mouth feel." He noted the "depth of flavor on the palate" and "complexity in the nose," suggesting it might be the best vintage for Malartic-Lagravière's red wine.
In summary, the 2016 Malartic-Lagravière is a highly regarded Bordeaux blend with a range of flavors and aromas praised by multiple reviewers. It is noted for its complexity, rich structure, and potential for aging.