2002 Ch. Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac-Leognan

[Houndsong]

Thought I'd sneak this in under cover of BWE's version of That 70s Show.

Somehow this escaped scientific analysis on arrival. Now it debuts as fodder for roast butterfly leg of lamb.

Very open and easygoing. Kind of low acid and it's rather linear and coreless for it. Gets by on some broad, slightly savory fruit with enough tannin to stretch it out. It's not like any other 2002 I can recall, and it is my first from Pessac-Leognan. There's some espresso and blackberry jaminess, certainly it's not offensive, rather pleasing, although it does remind me a bit of the 2005 de Fieuzal which is weirdly low acid and flat. We'll see how it goes with the lamb.

Can only have lamb when Kathy's away. She's in Vegas for an animal rescue/welfare convention (she brought a lot of old socks, they're going for some sort of world record). Suits my purposes for this evening at least.

[Houndsong]

The blackberry thing is getting the better - or worse - of me. What's up with that?