Château Malartic-Lagravière 2014 - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

A distinctive nose, distinctly smoky and toasty, with dominant notes of very ripe black fruit and hints of cocoa and peony; powerful on the palate, supported by a robust tannic structure, with pronounced fruit, minerality, and a long finish.

About the estate:

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 Laurent-Perrier in 1990 and have elevated 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, all 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 distinguished, lively, and well-balanced. La Réserve de Malartic, in both white and red, proves to be the true younger sibling of the grand vin.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Its crystal-clear, brilliant, deep garnet color is matched by a bouquet that blends aromas of black cherry—reflecting fully ripe grapes—with subtle hints of vanilla and smoke. The ripe black fruit is evident on the palate, which opens round and warm, supported by a tight tannic structure that remains firm on the finish. A distinctive Pessac-Léognan, combining a certain smoothness with the somewhat angular character of the vintage.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2014 Malartic-Lagravière displayed a rather sophisticated, very open bouquet, with aromas of kirsch, crushed strawberries, iodine, and iris that unfold readily. The palate is round on the attack with supple tannins, and features acidity that is slightly lower than that of its peers while remaining well-balanced. The depth of this Malartic-Lagravière is impressive, with subtle notes of white pepper and sage on the finish. Even though it will be overshadowed by the 2015, it is a well-crafted Pessac-Léognan that has shown real boldness during its time in the barrel.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

This is a truly beautiful wine—full-bodied, powerful, and generous, with a dense, tight, concentrated texture and rich fruitiness that reflects the grapes’ maturity. It is full-bodied and generous, with a lovely intensity of body. The oak still needs to integrate.

About the estate:

A perfect illustration 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, well-crafted, 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.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

James Suckling

Jeb Dunnuck