Chateau Malartic Lagraviere 2012

ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2012 Malartic-Lagravière comprises a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It has a precocious bouquet laden with black cherry, blueberry and red plum fruit, hints of cedar and graphite developing with aeration. It is still very backward, a bit stubborn at the moment so decanting is advised if you intend to broach this in its youth. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, quite structured tannin, firm but well balanced and far more freshness and fruit intensity on the finish compared to the 2013. This is an excellent 2012 although it still needs three or four more years in bottle. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Malartic-Lagravière."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This shows lots of precision and focus with blueberry, mineral and dried fruit character. Full body, fine tannins and a silky finish. Refined and composed. Better in 2019."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Showing good dark color, the wine has a soft, round, character with concentration and richness. There are ample sweet, ripe dark, smoky berries that remain from with you from start to finish."

THE WINEADVOCATE: "This large estate of 131 acres has been run brilliantly by a Belgian family, the Bonnies since their acquisition a number of years ago. The quality of the white and red have soared to exceptional heights, and this is certainly still one of the more realistically priced wines of Pessac-Lèognan and classified crus. The 2012 is a beauty, with a dense ruby/purple color, a fabulously plush, opulent texture and medium to full-bodied flavors of cassis, spicy earth and blueberry. Quite rich, yet light on its feet, this is an absolutely textbook Pessac-Lèognan, with wonderfully velvety tannins. Drink it now, or drink it in 25 years. This is a brilliant wine."

WEINWISSER: "Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Offenes Bouquet, feine Röstnoten, Ledernuancen, dominikanischer Tabak, gibt immer neue Schichten frei, also ein sehr facettenreiches Nasenbild. Im Gaumen fein und elegant. Tolle Jahrgangsleistung, ohne über die Grenzen zu gehen."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Big, ripe and juicy, this wears its rich black fruits right up front. A strong and firmly tannic structure serves as a background to the fruit. The wine is rich, complex and full of potential. Spice, ginger and nutmeg come through at the end along with the fruit. Drink from 2022."

WINESPECTATOR: "Solid, with dense layers of fig sauce, plum cake and blackberry confiture, laced with graphite and warm tar details. The long finish ripples with spice hints and black fruit, leaving a mouthwatering feel despite the heft. Best from 2017 through 2022. 8,330 cases made."