Château Malartic-Lagravière Pessac-Léognan blanc 2018 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

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.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

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

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of apricot, passion fruit, lemon tart, and custard, as well as fennel and cloves. It is full-bodied with lively acidity and a creamy texture. The finish is long, round, and mineral-driven. Very tight and well-structured. Drink now or hold.

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fresh and mineral, with good structure and intensity. It features notes of white flowers, fresh lemon, and a hint of vine peach, combined with hints of fresh earthiness and minerality (terroir), as well as a very subtle touch of yuzu. The palate is fresh, fruity, and balanced, offering good definition, smoothness, lovely tension, integrity, balance, a delightful richness, and a delicate, tangy framework. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of ripe lemon, ripe mandarin, and a hint of Granny Smith apple, combined with hints of quince, crushed vine peach, and a touch of lychee and flower. Good length. A lovely wine with a lovely finesse of texture and a lovely richness.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

The wine effortlessly reveals aromas of green apple, yellow citrus, lemon cream, vanilla, and floral notes. Vibrant, juicy, smooth, and creamy, with mineral undertones against its layers of fruit, the finish is pleasantly smooth and light.