The 2016 Malartic-Lagraviere is a Bordeaux Blend that hails from the renowned Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. With a medium to deep garnet-purple color, this wine immediately captures the eye with its inviting hue. The nose is filled with a delightful array of wild blueberries, black cherries, and cassis, accompanied by subtle hints of bay leaves and dark chocolate. A touch of charcoal adds a touch of intrigue to the aromatic profile.
On the palate, this wine showcases its medium-bodied nature with a lively backbone and a solid frame of ripe, rounded tannins. The herbal lift on the finish adds a refreshing touch, perfectly balancing the fruit-forward flavors. The 2016 Malartic-Lagraviere is a wine of exquisite balance and finesse, showcasing the artistry of the winemaking process.
Renowned wine experts have given high praise to this remarkable vintage. Lisa Perrotti-Brown of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 92, highlighting its solid structure and lively backbone. Wine Spectator also awarded it a score of 92, praising its ripe and fresh flavors of cherry, plum, and currant. Vinous, on the other hand, awarded it an impressive score of 94, noting the intriguing interplay between rich red and purplish berry fruit and the wine's bright, high-toned nuances.
James Suckling was particularly enamored with this wine, awarding it a remarkable score of 96. He found the nose to be deep and complex, with the cassis and mint of Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly married to the generous blackberry notes of ripe Merlot. The vanilla and toasty nuances from the oak were seamlessly integrated, creating a truly harmonious experience.
The 2016 Malartic-Lagraviere is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development. It is a wine of exceptional quality and is sure to satisfy even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.