Château Malartic-Lagravière Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

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.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

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 has worked wonders on this estate, now producing one of the appellation's finest wines. This latest release, equally rich in tannins and fruit, is dense and powerful yet elegant. It will age well and should be ready to drink from 2027 onwards.

James Suckling

About wine:

Very complex aromas of black berries, mushrooms, earth, flowers, and incense. But also notes of crushed stone. Full-bodied, with very fine and refined tannins that are caressing and magnificent. The finish is very, very long and persistent, with subtle and complex flavors. It will be very beautiful with age. Drink after 2025.

Jeb Dunnuck

About wine:

Château Malartic-Lagravière 2019 has distinguished itself brilliantly, with an elegant, pure, and perfectly balanced style. With notes of ripe black cherry, blackcurrant, tobacco leaf, spicy oak, and burnt earth typical of Graves, it imposes itself on the palate with a medium-bodied to full-bodied richness, a beautifully layered and homogeneous mouthfeel, superb tannins, and a damn good finish. It is not a blockbuster, but it excels in its elegance, balance, and complexity. Readers will love having it in their cellar, and it will keep for over 20 years. 2022-2044

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

A pure, aquiline nose of blue fruits with vanilla flowers. Incredibly refined on the palate, with intensely fruity and beautifully tart flavors. A lovely satiny texture, ending with a salty finish.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About wine:

Deeply colored, the wine makes an impression with its nose of smoked plum, chocolate, black cherry, espresso, flowers, and crushed stone. The flamboyant, full-bodied palate is filled with layers of velvety blackberries, black cherries, coffee beans, mocha, and licorice. The wine is elegant, luxurious, and polished, with silky tannins that give it length and purity. Although you can enjoy it early, its best days are yet to come. Drink between 2027 and 2055.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About wine:

Deep purple red with violet highlights and a black core. Expressive nose with pronounced spicy notes, licorice, and gingerbread, supported by juicy fruits reminiscent of blackberry and blackcurrant, with hints of graphite and cold smoke in the background. The palate is complex and rich with intense fruit, notes of graphite and sweet spices, ripe tannins and fine acidity, multi-layered fruit on the finish, excellent length and body.