1998 Malartic Lagraviere
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Malartic-Lagravière comprises a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. I have fond memories of this vintage from 2011, although this bottle did not deliver quite the same delineation on the nose, despite there being plenty of attractive boysenberry, clove, black olive and warm brick scents coming through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, still fresh after 20 years with spice, green olives and truffle on the structured finish that is nicely detailed and persistent. This is worth hunting down. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Malartic-Lagravière.
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Average Score
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More reviews and scores
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Magnum. Smoky, rich blackcurrant fruit with loads of youth and ripeness on the palate. Impressively sprightly at close to twenty years old. Chalky tannic texture. Very dry and savoury on the finish with a touch of sourness that is discreet enough not to be distracting. (RH)
The rich, savory, complex 1998 represents a breakthrough effort for this property. The color is a dense, dark ruby/purple, and the nose reveals stylish, sweet black currant fruit intermixed with earth, minerals, licorice, and spice box. The wine is medium-bodied, with ripe tannin, no hard edges, and a beautifully knit, concentrated finish that lasts for over 30 seconds. This wine may deserve a 90 point score. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.
About the producer
One of few estates classified for both red and white wine production, Malartic-Lagravière was renovated entirely after the Bonnie family purchased it in 1996. They also expanded the property to its current 53 hectares.