Chateau Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classe, Rouge 1998

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.

• Drinking Window: 2019 - 2032
• Reviewer Name: Neal Martin
• Review Date: April 2019