La Réserve de Malartic 2016 - Second vin du Château Malartic-Lagravière

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

A perfectly open nose with good complexity, offering ripe fruit, notes of sweet spices, a full-bodied palate, straightforward tannins, and good balance. A lovely second wine.

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.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Deep purple in color, the 2016 La Réserve de Malartic offers notes of plums, ripe blackberries, and smoky hints, along with nuances of bay leaf, pencil lead, and tobacco. Medium-bodied on the palate and rich with black fruit, it reveals supple, refined tannins and a brilliant finish.

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

About the wine:

It's certainly not lacking in richness, with lovely, juicy fruit and a very round mid-palate.

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

James Suckling

About the wine:

It is ripe and supple, yet elegant, with medium body and a long, silky finish—ready to drink now. Alluring blueberry character. Enjoy now or celller.