Le Comte de Malartic Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Second vin

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.

Decanter

About wine:

Full of bramble fruit, fresh and expressive on the nose, it smells rich and mature with the sweetest hint of perfume. No frills, the fruit takes center stage, with blackcurrant and red cherry shining through. A subtle creaminess also adds definition and texture. Good acidity, freshness, and liveliness. The tannins are a little dry on the finish. 2023–2036

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

Vinous

About wine:

The 2019 Malartic Reserve is a delicate and charming wine to drink now and in the next few years. Delicious notes of red cherry, spice, dried leaves, tobacco, blood orange, and incense give the 2019 a beautiful complexity that matches its medium-bodied personality. 2022–2029

James Suckling

About wine:

Aromas of black fruit and plums are marked by notes of tile, stone, and dusty soil. It is full-bodied and extremely refined, with beautiful tannins and fruit. Redcurrants and a slight hint of chocolate on the finish. Second wine.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About wine:

Dark purple color with violet highlights and an almost black core. Aromatic nose with a strong character, aromas reminiscent of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, graphite, and hints of gunflint. The palate is well-structured with ripe tannins, fresh acidity, crisp red fruit, and very good length. A well-balanced wine.