Château Malartic-Lagravière 2009

Round and ripe, well made, enjoyable when young.

A blend of 80% Sauvignon and 20% Semillon that hit 14% natural alcohol, this is serious wine boasting notes of lemon and lime marmalade intermixed with honeysuckle, a whiff of freshly cut grass and a waxy, melony character. Aromatically complex, this relatively big Malartic Lagraviere should drink well for up to 20 or more years. A great wine!

Subtle notes of toasted brioche and blanched almond hold a core of heather, white peach, and green plum at bay for now. The finish is long and suave, with a nicely buried cut. Should blossom with brief cellaring. Drink now through 2014. 1,250 cases made.

A little more straw in character; those solar flavors from the warm vintage are certainly evident. This is still a lovely wine with spice and saffron, but the markers of age are evident.

Juicy lemons, tangerine rind, vanilla, banana and grapefruit create a complex perfume. On the palate, the wine is even better with its volume, freshness and juicy, sweet, ripe fruits. The wine balances perfectly between lushness and freshness. At 10 years of age, this is really starting to kick in!

Another white that's aged nicely, the 2009 Château Malartic-Lagravière Blanc sports a medium gold hue as well as a spicy, complex nose of caramelized peach, orange blossom, honeyed toast, and a kiss of nuttiness. Full-bodied, concentrated, opulent, and seamlessly balanced, this textured, fresh, yet also powerful beauty is going to continue drinking nicely for another decade.

Bright yellow with a greenish sheen. Sleek bouquet with white pepper, freshly grated lemon. Juicy palate, white peach, very fine and elegant. Early (and quick?) enjoyment.

Bright yellow with a greenish sheen. Slender bouquet of white pepper and freshly grated lemon. Juicy palate with white peach, showing great finesse and elegance. Early and (quick?) drinking pleasure.

Velvety, sweet, fruity bouquet with grapefruit and dried grass. Soft, sweet, broad palate with rich fruit, soft structure, medium acidity. Opulent finish. 17/20 2013 - 2024

Supple, complex mid-palate, long finish

Pale yellow color. Nose of very ripe fruit. Silky, full-bodied, generous palate with a noble touch, finishing smooth and delicately oaked.

The wine has plenty of volume, with great breadth on the palate, but we found it in a somewhat tricky phase, with a warming finish. Is this temporary? We’ll need to come back to it.

Big, ripe and delicious, this is packed with spice and sweet apricot fruits. It's full and opulent, very much a wine of 2009, yet it retains its sense of balance and structure.