Vivid, expressive, juicy and concentrated, the 2011 Malartic Lagraviere comes from good-sized estate of 131 acres, of which 17 are dedicated to their excellent white wine. Made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a supple, medium to full-bodied texture with no hard edges, an opulence and exuberance that provide lots of seductiveness, and tell-tale notes of burning embers, charcoal, kirsch liqueur and black currant fruit. Drink this impressive 2011 over the next two decades. Only 55% of the production made it into the grand vin. The natural alcohol is 13.5%.

Finely concentrated Cabernet cassis with a leafy lift, tannins a bit green, but good depth of elegant aromatic fruit to show through. Drink 2016-2030. (17 points)