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

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

The nose is exceptionally complex and elegant, with very ripe fruit and a texture that is both dense and silky, featuring beautiful structure, freshness, and, above all, great length. It is perfectly balanced and will age exceptionally well. Best enjoyed by 2035.

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

About the wine:

Its color is rich and deep, with a luminosity that lends it nuance and freshness. This is a beautiful 2016 vintage—balanced but less powerful than some other estates—while perfectly reflecting the appellation’s refinement. The subtle aromas of toasted red fruits take their time to unfold. 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 bottling. 3% Petit Verdot rounds out 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 the wine:

The Malartic is superb, very well-defined, with fresh fruit flavors and a palate that is both smooth and lively.

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

About the 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 dark fruits lend the wine a lovely maturity. This is a wine meant for aging; best enjoyed after 2026.

James Suckling

About the wine:

I love its deep, complex nose, where the blackcurrant and mint notes of the Cabernet Sauvignon blend harmoniously with the richer blackberry notes of the ripe Merlot. Meanwhile, the vanilla and toasty notes from the oak integrate beautifully. On the palate, it reveals itself gradually; the first impression is that of a ripe, delicate wine, then the fine tannins assert themselves strongly and enliven the palate. Very long finish. Ready to drink now or suitable for aging.