Malartic-Lagravière Pessac-Léognan 2016

96 points James Suckling: "I love the deep and complex nose, in which the cassis and mint of cabernet sauvignon are beautifully married to the more generous blackberry of ripe merlot and the vanilla and toasty notes from the oak are marvelously integrated. On the palate it creeps up on you slowly; the first impression is ripe yet delicate, then the fine-grained tannins charge through and light up the sky. Very long finish. Drink or hold. (1/15/19)"

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$85 list] Beautifully wood aged, with subtle hints of spice, this is an elegant, textured wine, ripe with white fruit tones and layered with intense, fresh acidity. Its bright highlights are tempered by warm fruitiness and by the mineral texture that promises aging. Drink from 2023. Alcohol 13.5%. (Apr 2019)"

95 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "The colour is rich and deep but with luminosity that gives nuance and fresh air. It's a lovely 2016, poised but not as powerful as some in the vintage, yet every inch the sophisticated reflection of the appellation. Restrained grilled berry fruits take their time to unfurl. It's still very closed but the liquorice and slate notes become clearer after 10 minutes in the glass, and the wine has already deepened in the few years since bottling. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Yield 46hl/ha. Drinking Window: 2026-2042. (12/4/18)"

95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Malartic-Lagravière has a wonderful bouquet of perfumed, mainly red fruit laced with potpourri, black olive tapenade and light brine-like aromas - a bouquet full of personality. The fresh, harmonious palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and just the right amount of salinity toward the loam-tinged finish. Bon vin from the Bonnies. Drink: 2023-2045. (Jan 2019)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "A blend only just dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, at 53%, with 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The élevage was in 80% new oak. On the nose I get smoked black cherry, with a fresh raspberry lift and a little curranty depth. The start of the palate oozes harmony and seamless confidence, with a lovely backdrop of ripe and svelte tannins. This has a fabulous fruit profile, showing very fresh and bright, leading into a wonderfully energetic, vibrant and cleansed finish, one loaded with tightly knit tannin. This is an excellent result with a bright future ahead of it. (Dec 2018)"

95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Deep in color, here you find a wine with concentration, round, supple textures and silky tannins, The fruit shows maturity with its sweetness and its serious depth of flavor. Full-bodied, plush and polished, the long intensive finish serves up dark, red berries, licorice, espresso and smoke. This will be a much better wine with age, so give it at least 7-8 years before opening a bottle, if you can wait that long! (Sep 2019)"

95 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby with an opaque core, brightening at the rim. Attractive blackberry, delicate plum and honey, and tobacco nuances on the multi-faceted bouquet. Powerful, juicy and complex, it has a chocolaty texture, well-integrated tannins, length and good ageing potential. (5/24/17)"