2009 Château Malaire 'Cuvée Grande Réserve', Médoc

A showy, voluptuous style of claret - very clearly from a warm, expressive vintage, but still with striking freshness and fine balance. Bright, luscious cassis fruit, and a touch of cedar and subtle spice - classically Medoc with good texture, and fine-grained tannins. Some good winemaking at work here - not overcooked, given the vintage, and very stylish. Flavours continually expand an evolve - this is a classy Medoc with lots going on.