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, remarkable length. It is perfectly balanced and will age beautifully. 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 brought it to its highest level. Their son Jean-Jacques has taken over, with the same dedication 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 structural integrity, which in no way detract from their innate finesse. The recent whites are also remarkable: they have gained in body and richness, and are racy, lively, and 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 fine 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, well-defined, with fresh fruit notes 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 hillock behind the château, is impeccably maintained, and modern technical facilities have allowed the reds to gain in fullness and depth of body, particularly thanks to a vineyard that is maturing and becoming more deeply rooted. 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. Close 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 a lovely ripeness. This is a wine 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 and delicate wine, then the fine tannins assert themselves powerfully and enliven the palate. Very long finish. Ready to drink now or for aging.