Malartic Lagraviere 2018 (1.5L)

92-94 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "This is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, to be aged for 18-22 months in oak barriques, 70% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Malartic Lagraviere gives scents of baked red and black cherries, warm blackcurrants and balsamic with touches of underbrush, moss-covered bark and tobacco. Full-bodied, firm and chewy in the mouth, it packs in the berry preserves with some pepper and spice sparks coming through on the long finish."

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Malartic-Lagravière was a little variable when I tasted it from barrel. Now bottled, it has closed down on the nose, yet given a couple of hours' decant, it opens nicely to offer black fruit, sage, tobacco and subtle floral scents (iris and violet). The palate is well balanced with a dense entry and good acidity. It would benefit from a little more refinement and I still sense a scintilla of greenness on the aftertaste. Hopefully that will disappear with bottle age, because it deserves time in the cellar." 03/21

92-95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Malartic Lagravière is powerful, rich and explosive, all while retaining a mid-weight sense of structure. Black cherry, plum, gravel, chocolate, leather, lavender spice and licorice all run through this driving, juicy Pessac Léognan. I very much admire the weight and substance here. The blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, with the Cabernet very much front and center. Tasted three times." 5/19

96 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Aromas of apricot, passion fruit, lemon pie and custard. Crushed stones, fennel and cloves, too. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity and a layered, creamy texture. Long, rounded and mineral finish. Very tight and structured. Drink or hold." 01/21

91 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Fresh, forward style with a nice burst of bing cherry preserves as well as plum sauce, melted red licorice and singed vanilla notes. Juicy, friendly finish has a late tug of tar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made." 03/21

95-97 Points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast: "This wine is full of ripe lemon and yellow fruits. A hint of wood aging gives great texture along with bits of spice and pepper. The wine is ripe, packed with fruit while also being firmly structured." 4/19

95 Points, Jane Ansen, Decanter: "This remains a little hidden and distant at this point in time, but there are some gorgeous rich liquorice and cassis fruits here, and the texture stands out for its silkiness. Clearly a very good wine, which opens up slowly and carefully. Classic but with depth and grip, continuing a run of successful vintages at Malartic. Last vintage before they take on Eric Boissenot as consultant. 2% Petit verdot makes up the blend, with 70% new oak for ageing." 11/20

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "An outstanding wine, the 2018 Château Malartic Lagraviere (57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest 3% Cabernet Franc) offers a deep purple hue as well as beautiful cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with lots of graphite, gravelly earth, violets, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. Beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and impressive purity of fruit, it's another gorgeous 2018 that can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years." 03/21