Château Malartic-Lagravière Pessac-Léognan blanc 2025 - Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

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 the Laurent-Perrier champagne house 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 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 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 racy, lively, and well-balanced. La Réserve de Malartic, in both white and red, proves to be the true “little brother” of the grand vin.

On the nose, aromas of freshly picked orchard fruits—expressive and lively, with notes of dried herbs, hay, and vanilla. Juicy and delicately succulent, this wine offers a beautiful balance between creamy notes of white fruit and crisp notes of apple. A rather delicate interpretation for a Malartic, prioritizing purity and finesse over body and fullness. While not as lively as it could be, it nonetheless retains a soft and appetizing character. It is sophisticated and round, with lovely complexity. The freshness really lingers. No bitterness. A yield of 36 hl/ha. pH of 3.3. 2026–2036

A perfect example 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, polished, 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.

This is a very elegant wine, full of finesse and clarity, with medium body and lively acidity. Linear and refined, it offers a lively, crystalline finish with a mineral and slightly bitter note. An exceptional white wine.

Refreshing notes of orange peel complemented by aromas of kumquat, a hint of lychee, and wet stones. The salty note on the attack underscores the freshness, but there’s also depth… in other words: vibrancy and body! A well-balanced, full-bodied, lively, and lingering wine.  2028–2045