as I had an opportunity to spend several hours tasting through all of the wines in barrel with proprietor Roberto Conterno

An airy red pinot fruit nose nuanced by a lovely mix of game

The 2004 Brut Cristal has put on quite a bit of weight since I first tasted it earlier this year

complete Cristal

spices and tar emerge

Malartic Lagraviere other_regions as I had an opportunityThe 2009 Malartic Lagravire comprises a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a much more sumptuous bouquet compared to the 2010, rounded and sensual with black cherries, melted tar and crushed violet scents. The palate is medium bodied with supple tannin, the acidity a little lower than the 2010 and the tannins softer. There is enormous depth to this voluminous Malartic Lagravire, gentle grip with a persistent tarry