Château Malartic-Lagravière 2014 - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Very pure and crystal-clear, but conventional in its aromas and texture.

As perfectionist owners, the Bonnies have masterfully renovated the estate’s technical facilities, restored and expanded the vineyard, and—above all—transformed the wines. These Belgian wine enthusiasts purchased the estate from the Laurent-Perrier champagne house in 1990 and have brought it to its highest level. Their son, Jean-Jacques, has taken over, with the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence. The vineyard spans 53 hectares, including 7 hectares of white grape varieties, certified under sustainable agriculture practices. The second wine, formerly known as “Sillage-de-Malartic,” became “La Réserve de Malartic” in 2006. The reds, rigorously selected, possess astonishing strength and structure, which in no way detract from their innate finesse. The recent vintages of the whites are also remarkable: they have gained body and smoothness; they are racy, lively, and well-balanced. La Réserve de Malartic, in both white and red, proves to be the true “little brother” of the grand vin.

Malartic’s great white wine, still closed, bears the hallmark of Sauvignon Blanc. Making up the vast majority of the blend (90%), this grape variety expresses itself with finesse through floral notes underscored by subtle toasted oak (ten months in barrels, 60% of which are new). Round on the palate, balanced, and warm, it captivates with its elegance and length. A great wine for aging, it will continue to develop over the next few years.

Menthol-like freshness, citrus fruit, rich wood notes, a robust structure that nevertheless exudes elegance, smoothness, and roundness.

With a slightly sweeter flavor from its oak aging, the 2014 Malartic Blanc is also fuller-bodied on the palate, with a well-rounded texture.

A perfect example of the appellation’s revival, Malartic-Lagravière has made spectacular progress since its acquisition in 1998 by Belgian entrepreneur Alfred-Alexandre Bonnie. With his son Jean-Jacques, his daughter Véronique, and his daughter-in-law Séverine, the estate has, in just a few years, made up for the ground it had lost during its time under the umbrella of the Champagne-based Laurent-Perrier group. The vineyard, superbly situated on a gravelly ridge behind the château, is impeccably maintained, and modern winemaking facilities have allowed the reds to gain in fullness and depth of body—particularly thanks to a vineyard that is maturing and developing deeper roots. The reds have never been better and rank among the most interesting in the appellation. The whites also exhibit a very refined, polished, and generous style. Careful observation of the aging process led the estate to invest in 350- and 500-liter wooden barrels for vinification and aging.