Château Malartic-Lagravière Pessac-Léognan rouge 2016 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

A nose of great complexity and elegance, very ripe fruit, a dense yet silky texture, with beautiful texture, freshness, and above all, great persistence. Very harmonious, will age very well. Drink before 2035.

About the estate:

Perfectionist owners, the Bonnies have masterfully renovated the property's technical facilities, restored and expanded the vineyard, and above all, transformed the wines. These Belgian wine enthusiasts bought the estate from Laurent-Perrier champagne 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 covers 53 hectares, including 7 hectares of white grapes, certified as sustainably farmed. The second wine, formerly known as Sillage-de-Malartic, became La Réserve-de-Malartic in 2006. The reds, which are rigorously selected, possess astonishing strength and integrity, which in no way detract from their natural finesse. The recent whites are also remarkable: they have gained in volume and smoothness on the palate and are racy, lively and well-balanced. La Réserve de Malartic, both white and red, proves to be the true little brother of the great wine.

Decanter

About wine:

Its color is rich and deep, with a brightness that gives it nuance and freshness. It is a beautiful 2016 vintage, balanced but less powerful than some other estates, while perfectly reflecting the refinement of the appellation. The subtle aromas of roasted red fruits take their time to reveal themselves. The wine is still very closed, but notes of licorice and slate become more pronounced after 10 minutes in the glass, and it has already gained depth in the few years since it was bottled. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Yield: 46 hl/ha. 2026-2042

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About wine:

The Malartic is superb, very well-defined, with a fresh expression of fruit and a palate that is both mellow and energetic.

About the estate:

Malartic-Lagravière perfectly illustrates the appellation's revival, having made spectacular progress since its purchase in 1998 by Belgian entrepreneur Alfred-Alexandre Bonnie. With his son Jean-Jacques, daughter Véronique, and daughter-in-law Séverine, the estate has, in just a few years, made up for the ground it lost while under the wing of the Champagne group Laurent-Perrier. The vineyard, superbly located on a gravelly hillock behind the château, is perfectly maintained, and modern technical facilities have enabled the reds to gain in body and depth, thanks in particular to a vineyard that is maturing and becoming more deeply rooted. The reds have never been better and are among the most interesting in the appellation. The whites also adopt a very accomplished, refined and generous style. Careful observation of the aging process led the estate to invest in 350- and 500-liter wooden containers for vinification and aging.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

The Bonnie family estate has produced a wine with a rich structure, full of ripe tannins characteristic of the vintage. To balance this structure, powerful aromas of blackcurrant and black fruits bring a beautiful maturity. This is a wine for aging; best enjoyed after 2026.

James Suckling

About wine:

I love its deep, complex nose, where the blackcurrant and mint of Cabernet Sauvignon blend harmoniously with the more generous blackberry notes of ripe Merlot. The vanilla and toasted oak notes integrate beautifully. On the palate, it reveals itself gradually; the first impression is that of a ripe and delicate wine, then the fine tannins assert themselves with force and illuminate the palate. Very long finish. Drink now or keep.