1 | Wine | Red Bordeaux Blend, Pessac-leognan / Graves | Page 6

"Perhaps the strongest wine I have ever tasted from Malartic Lagravière, the 2005 has a dense ruby/purple color and a wonderfully sweet nose of crème de cassis, graphite, and soil undertones. Medium-bodied., smoky, with classic scorched earth, Graves-like aromatics and flavors, this wine displays impeccable winemaking, with pure fruit, medium body, and gorgeously long, rich flavors and moderate levels of tannin." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Situated in a beautiful park behind Haut-Brion, this estate fashioned a deep ruby-colored 2005 boasting a brilliantly projected set of aromatics (kirsch, smoke, scorched earth, chocolate, leafy tobacco, and creosote). Its full body is somewhat unexpected given the aromatics’ delicacy and nuance. Zesty acidity, sweet tannin, and a light but substantial, classic, traditional style are found in this offering, which represents a synthesis in style between a grand cru Cote de Beaune Burgundy (such as a Corton) and a great Graves." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"A fabulous example of this estate, the 2005 is an ethereal, delicate, finesse-styled offering with intensity as well as richness. It has all the concentration one could want, but it comes across as gorgeously elegant and sublime because of its combination of delicacy, power, and depth. Beautiful raspberry, black cherry, currant, graphite, and scorched earth notes are subtle, but provocative. In the mouth, there is good acidity, medium body, ripe tannin, and terrific length. This is a beauty of haute couture from Pessac-Leognan." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"This brilliant blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Merlot (which was harvested very late) reveals complex aromas of lead pencil shavings, burning embers, black currants, cherries, and blackberries as well as a subtle smoky charcoal component. Medium to full-bodied and spicy with sweet tannin and an opulent, fleshy personality, it is a terrific effort from this great Pessac-Leognan vineyard." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"An impressive effort, this 2011 exhibits a dense saturated ruby/purple color along with lots of graphite, black currant and camphor notes, medium to full body, and surprising depth, richness and length. Tannins are present, but they are relatively sweet and unobtrusive. A crisp character gives the wine vibrancy as well as impressive delineation. It should drink well for 15+ years."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 91 to 93 pts.

"Offers pure, driven plum, cassis and black cherry notes inlaid with graphite and roasted wood spice. Dense without being overextracted. Very sleek. Rock-solid."

"While made in a pretty, lighter style, the 2011 Haut-Bergey must take a back seat to the 2009 and 2010. Medium-bodied with notes of tobacco leaf, red and black currants, bay leaf and earth, it can be enjoyed over the next decade."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 87 to 89 pts.

"This has good depth and polish, with pure, ripe blackberry and black currant fruit laced with roasted tobacco leaf, bay and iron notes. Shows solid grip through the finish."

"This seductive, open-knit, lush, attractive Pessac-Leognan offers lots of tobacco leaf, sweet kirsch and assorted berry fruit notes in its delicious, medium-bodied, silky, round, complex and hedonistic personality. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years." -Robert Parker

A touch of unsmoked, high class cigar tobacco, black currants and graphite characteristics are followed by a soft, ripe, dark ruby/purple-tinged, medium-bodied, well-made wine displaying nicely integrated oak, acidity and tannin. Drink it over the next 12-15 years." -Robert Parker