Malartic-Lagravière Pessac-Léognan 2022

99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Awesome levels of blackcurrants, darker cherries, roasted herbs, chocolate, and scorched earth all emerge from the 2022 Château Malartic-Lagravière, an incredibly concentrated, rich, layered beauty that has velvety tannins, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. It's easily the finest I've tasted from this château and is a riveting 2022 that deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and will keep for two decades or more. The 2022 is based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, with the élevage spanning 20 months in 60% new French oak. Drink: 2030-2050. (2/27/25)"

97 points Zekun Shuai (JamesSuckling.com): "A fascinating Malartic-Lagraviere from this hot vintage, but the wine is surprisingly fresh, showing depth, innate balance and complexity. The mineral-etched fruit turns glossy, with fine aromas of cassis, berries, plums, spices and a hint of violets. Almost full-bodied, with a complete package of fruit and chalky tannins. Long, juicy and posh. One of the best ever. Drink from 2027. (1/7/25)"

96 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Round, concentrated, vibrant and dynamic, a lovely burst of intense red and black fruits before quite serious tannins take hold in the mouth. Fine but full, they give the frame and the structure, setting the tone for a serious wine while the fruit and freshnes softly expand giving an aerial element to the finish. A lovely wine with intensity and detail, not the most demonstrative or juicy and appealing right now, but really well made and delivered. Supple, bright, chalky, chewy, this wine has intensity and precision. A little bit serious towards the end, the fruit just losing some focus, where it becomes more about the tannins and freshness but lots to like here with good potential. 1.5% Cabernet Franc. A yield 27hl/ha. HVE3 certified. Drinking Window: 2025-2035. (4/21/23)"

94-96 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 Malartic Lagraviere Rouge charges out with profound notes of creme de cassis, chocolate-covered cherries, and plum preserves, followed by suggestions of garrigue and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate is taut with dense, muscular black fruits, supported by firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great length. Drink: 2027-2047. (5/14/23)”

94-96 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "With a depth of color, the wine pops with nuances of flowers, cherries, cedar, tobacco leaf, black currants, spice, cocoa, and mint tea. Even better on the palate, the concentrated, showy display of spicy, black cherries, blackberries, plums, white pepper, and dark chocolate is perfectly balanced with length, freshness and creamy, silkiness in the finish. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc. 14.2% ABV pH 3.58. Harvesting took place September 5 - September 29. Drink from 2026-2050. (May 2023)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2022 Malartic Lagravière is a pretty sexy wine, its considerable tannins notwithstanding. A blast of dark cherry, plum, licorice, chocolate, new leather and spice makes a strong opening statement. The 2022 is dense and packed to the core, with formidable intensity of fruit and equally imposing tannins. This is a brute. Drink: 2028-2047. (Jan 2025)"

95 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep ruby, opaque core, purple reflections. A touch of fine oak, black forest berries, a hint of liquorice, orange zest is underlying, some nougat, attractive bouquet. Juicy, ripe plums, fresh acidity, compact and persistent, very good length, promising ageing potential. (Jan 2025)"