2003 Malartic Lagraviere
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2003 Malartic-Lagravière comprises a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It has a smudged mulberry and date-scented nose, the imprimatur of the growing season dominating that of terroir. The palate is sweet and chewy, rounded in the mouth, almost Antipodean in style and missing tension on the finish. I have never warmed up to this vintage and it remains unappealing now. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Malartic-Lagravière.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sémillon. Second bottle (first was oxidised). Quite restrained, but certainly in better condition than the first bottle. Waxy, preserved lemon, a touch of salt. Full-bodied and glossy. Subtle, integrated oak spice. Good freshness, but not likely to improve any further. (RH)
Bricky garnet. A mix of ripeness and herbaceousness on the nose. Odd tutti frutti flavour. Quite juicy and lively at first. But hard work on the finish, showing its greenness. Hard end. (JH)
One of the darkest 2003 Pessac-Léognans. Some sweet oakiness on the nose. Fuller on the palate than most though there are some very awkward green tannins there too. (Average group score: 15) (JR)
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.