Château Malartic-Lagravière 2009 - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Garnet color, red fruit, well-defined tannins, firm structure without any softness; this wine lacks the heavily sun-kissed character of many 2009 vintages, offering great freshness with subtle spice and a racy finish.

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 elevated 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, all 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 on the palate; they are racy, lively, and well-balanced. La Réserve de Malartic, in both white and red, proves to be the true younger sibling of the grand vin.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

The aristocratic family that purchased the estate in the 18th century included an admiral who fought in battles during the reign of Louis XV, hence the three masts featured on the label of this wine, which is classified in both red and white categories. Comprising a high terrace formed of gravelly islets and deeply carved by the Eau Blanche stream, the vineyard benefits from a superb terroir that is perfectly showcased, as evidenced by this 2009 vintage with its elegant, deep color and a rich bouquet combining raisins, red berries, vanilla, brioche, and a hint of leather. Lively on the palate with notes of raspberry, supported by firm tannins, the wine confirms its fine origins. Aging for three to six years will allow it to round out.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the wine:

This Malartic will be remembered for a long time—it offers everything we love in great wines: richness and body, fresh fruit, a long finish, and refined tannins... This estate is top-notch; we love the finesse of its aging process and the approachable character of the wines it produces!

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Probably the estate’s best, along with their 2005. This vineyard has produced a deeply aromatic wine with notes of graphite, wet stone, red currant, black currant, tobacco leaf, and forest floor. A medium-bodied yet intensely concentrated wine, with abundant notes of ripe fruit, plenty of glycerin, and a long, nuanced, and impressive finish. Already approachable, this wine should continue to age well for 15 years or more.

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

About the wine:

The 2009 red has perfectly defined tannins and a clean profile.

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 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 has led the estate to invest in 350- and 500-liter wooden barrels for winemaking and aging.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Gilbert & Gaillard