This large estate of 131 acres has been run brilliantly by a Belgian family, the Bonnies since their acquisition a number of years ago. The quality of the white and red have soared to exceptional heights, and this is certainly still one of the more realistically priced wines of Pessac-Lèognan and classified crus. The 2012 is a beauty, with a dense ruby/purple color, a fabulously plush, opulent texture and medium to full-bodied flavors of cassis, spicy earth and blueberry. Quite rich, yet light on its feet, this is an absolutely textbook Pessac-Lèognan, with wonderfully velvety tannins. Drink it now, or drink it in 25 years. This is a brilliant wine. - Robert Parker

Big, ripe and juicy, this wears its rich black fruits right up front. A strong and firmly tannic structure serves as a background to the fruit. The wine is rich, complex and full of potential. Spice, ginger and nutmeg come through at the end along with the fruit. Drink from 2022.

The lightest hint of tobacco suggests this is moving into the next phase after seven years in bottle. Open and welcoming, it starts well with lovely black fruits through the attack, just receding a little on the finish. It's very well made, with balance, poise and a gourmet twist: the signature that the Malartic team has refined over the past decade. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

(NM90-92 points) Tasted twice, the Malartic-Lagraviere has light, marine scents on the nose – a touch of brine infusing the light black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins on the entry. It is quite masculine with tobacco-tinged black fruit slightly oppressed by the oak on the finish. This should coalesce nicely throughout its barrel maturation, although I suspect it will need several years in bottle to really settle.

Solid, with dense layers of fig sauce, plum cake and blackberry confiture, laced with graphite and warm tar details. The long finish ripples with spice hints and black fruit, leaving a mouthwatering feel despite the heft. Best from 2017 through 2022.

Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Malartic Lagraviere Rouge features expressive scents of baked plums and stewed cherries with hints of dried herbs, unsmoked cigars, and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate delivers plenty of juicy black fruits with a soft texture and earthy finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2012 Malartic Lagravière has an open-knit bouquet, quite "airy" in style, with more blue fruit than its peers, perhaps more floral and almost Margaux-like. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy opening, fine acidity, taut and fresh with an attractive bitter edge towards the finish. Drink now, but it should keep for another decade, possibly more. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting. -- Neal Martin