2001 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere

After a very rainy winter and autumn, the hot, dry spring provided favourable conditions for flowering and the setting of the fruit. Despite a cold, wet July, the grapes were able to ripen correctly, helped by the hot, dry August. This was a relatively early year with rapid growth in May followed by equally rapid flowering due to the high temperatures in mid-June. Ripening was slow to start due to alternating warm and wet spells, and finished with a long, rather dry, cool period. This freshness enabled the flavour potential of the grapes to become refined and more complex; ultimately they were harvested with good phenolic ripeness and in perfect health. An intentional reduction of the yield produced grapes that were rich in sugar, colour and tanins. Furthermore, weather conditions enabled the growing of grapes suited to the production of complex, elegant wines, with an emphasis on fruit.

Deep colour with hints of coppery brown. Elegant, complex nose, with notes of smoke, tobacco, truffles, blackcurrants and Morello cherries. The palate is rich, with tight substance evolving with great charm and balance with notes of spice, truffle, mocha and a beautiful flavourful finish. Fine, silky tanins. This is a sleek, voluptuous wine, now at its peak; the flavours are so lively and have such wonderful elegance there can be no doubt that it will continue to impress for some years.