Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Pessac-Leognan 2022

99 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Awesome levels of blackcurrants, darker cherries, roasted herbs, chocolate, and scorched earth all emerge from the 2022 Château Malartic-Lagravière, an incredibly concentrated, rich, layered beauty that has velvety tannins, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. It’s easily the finest I’ve tasted from this château and is a riveting 2022 that deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and will keep for two decades or more. The 2022 is based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, with the élevage spanning 20 months in 60% new French oak.

97 Points, James Suckling
A fascinating Malartic-Lagraviere from this hot vintage, but the wine is surprisingly fresh, showing depth, innate balance and complexity. The mineral-etched fruit turns glossy, with fine aromas of cassis, berries, plums, spices and a hint of violets. Almost full-bodied, with a complete package of fruit and chalky tannins. Long, juicy and posh. One of the best ever.

96 Points, Jane Anson
The Bonnie family is on a roll at this excellent property. Dense and concentrated but with finesse and acidity, this has a beautiful balance, and a creaminess to the fruit that is superb. Appealing pulses of white pepper and sage spice, well drawn out through the palate, exceptional skill shown during ageing at controlling the oak impact. Yields in the low 30hl/h, but maintains freshness. Vinified in a mix of small wooden casks and stainless steel vats, aged in oak.

96 Points, Decanter
Gorgeous fragrant red berry fruit on the nose, a touch of dried herbs and graphite. So super charming straight away, this is gorgeous. Creamy and juicy so you get both a crunchy bite to the fruit as well as a soft pillowy texture on the palate. Round, focused and really finessed but delivering so much flavour. Not overdone at all, this is restrained – almost lightweight – letting the crystalline fruit, acidity and integrated tannins speak clearly. Harmonised and balanced still with tension and poise. A real joy with plenty of ageing potential.