2012 Malartic-Lagraviere Rouge (Pessac)

This Belgian-owned estate has been making brilliant white and red Graves. Another beauty in a more difficult vintage than either 2009 or 2010, the 2012 Malartic Lagraviere is further evidence of how successful this vintage was in Pessac-Leognan. It possesses a dense purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of creme de cassis, licorice, bay leaf, lead pencil shavings and barbecue smoke. Medium to full-bodied and richly fruity with soft tannin, surprising length and an impressive mid-palate (a rarity in 2012), it should drink well for 15 years. 91-93 points

Tasted twice, the Malartic-Lagraviere has light, marine scents on the nose – a touch of brine infusing the light black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins on the entry. It is quite masculine with tobacco-tinged black fruit slightly oppressed by the oak on the finish. This should coalesce nicely throughout its barrel maturation, although I suspect it will need several years in bottle to really settle. 90-92 poi nts

Deep colour with good intensity. Fragrant and very fruity nose. Flavoursome from the outset, very fruity, becoming aromatic with body, smooth and soft and a slightly austere finish. Good flavoursome length. 91 points