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

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

As perfectionist owners, the Bonnie family have masterfully renovated the estate's technical facilities, refurbished and extended the vineyard and, above all, transformed the wines. These wine-loving Belgians bought the estate from Champagne Laurent-Perrier in 1990, and have since taken it to its highest level. Son Jean-Jacques has taken over, with the same care and commitment to excellence. The vineyard covers 53 hectares, including 7 hectares of white grapes, certified under sustainable agriculture. The second wine, formerly called sillage-de-malartic, became la-réserve-de-malartic in 2006. The rigorously selected reds possess astonishing strength and uprightness of constitution, without detracting from their native finesse. The recent whites are also remarkable: they have gained in mouthfeel and smoothness, and are racy, nervous and well-balanced. Réserve-de-malartic, in both white and red, is proving to be the true little brother of the grand vin.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the domain :

A perfect illustration of the appellation's revival, Malartic-Lagravière has made spectacular progress since it was bought by Belgian entrepreneur Alfred-Alexandre Bonnie in 1998. With his son Jean-Jacques, daughter Véronique and daughter-in-law Séverine, the estate has made up in a few short years the lost ground it had accumulated when it became part of the Champagne group Laurent-Perrier. The vineyard, superbly situated on a gravelly hillside behind the château, is perfectly tended, and modern technical facilities have enabled the reds to gain in fullness and depth of body, thanks in particular to a vineyard that is getting older and more deeply rooted. The reds have never been so good, and are among the most interesting in the appellation. The whites, too, are very accomplished, well-crafted and generous. Observational work on ageing has led the cru to invest in 350- and 500-litre wooden containers for vinification and ageing.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

The Bonnie family has worked wonders on this estate, producing today one of the appellation's finest wines. This latest release, equally rich in tannin and fruit, is dense, powerful yet elegant. It will age well, and should be ready from 2027.

James Suckling

About the wine:

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

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Château Malartic-Lagravière 2019 has distinguished itself brilliantly, in an elegant, pure and perfectly balanced style. With notes of ripe black cherry, blackcurrant, tobacco leaf, spicy oak, and scorched earth typical of Graves, it imposes itself on the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a beautifully layered and seamless palate, superb tannins and a damn good finish. It's no blockbuster, but it excels in 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 the wine:

A pure, aquiline nose of blue fruits and vanilla flowers. Incredible refinement on the palate, with intensely fruity, beautifully tart flavors. A beautiful satiny texture, ending with a saline finish.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Deeply colored, the wine makes its mark on the nose with aromas of smoked plum, chocolate, black cherry, espresso, flower and crushed stone. The flamboyant, full-bodied palate is filled with layers of velvety-textured blackberry, black cherry, coffee bean, 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 the wine:

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