A late entry to my 2020 Bordeaux En Primeur Report – Malartic Lagravière

2020 Château Malartic Lagravière Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

50.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47.8% Merlot, 1.8% Cabernet Franc

65% new oak for approximately 18 months

26 hL/ha

This is a very fine effort from Malartic which cleverly balances intense forest fruit notes on the nose, lashings of juicy oak nuances and spice with a sleek, plump palate and a remarkably refreshing finish.  Forward, friendly and well-measured, this is a huge success for this estate and I don’t doubt that while it will surely drink after five or so years, it will also manage to hold well for a decade and more, too.  17.5/20