One of the grand cru classe producers in Pessac-Leognan, Chateau Malartic Lagraviere is set on on the oldest wine-growing terroir in Bordeaux —gravel “croupe” (hillock) — which was formed millions of years ago by alluvial deposits. The 73 hectares (180 acres) vineyard is planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for the red wine and Sauvignon and Sémillon. The Domaine de Lagravière was purchased by Pierre de Malartic 1803. His uncle Comte de Malartic battled against the British in Canada and which led to the maritime theme which is associated with this estate. The estate has been run by the Bonnie family since 1997, as Malartic Lagraviere utilizes the talents of consulting oenologist Michel Rolland. The quality of the estate’s top wine has been steadily climbing in the past decade.
I have been very impressed with this estate and the value that the wines exude. It is not easy to find great Left Bank Bordeaux for under 100 dollars. Each vintage was a wonderful representation of the wine. The wines increased in weight from 2014-16 which was intriguing. Without a doubt the best wine was the 2016 Malartic Lagraviere (OB, 95) which is the finest edition of this wine that I have sampled. Rich and seamless on the mid-palate, this is gorgeous wine to consume now and over the next fifteen plus years. Learn more about this great estate at https://www.malartic-lagraviere.com/en/ and here are my reviews of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere.
2014 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere- A downright killer nose greets you in the 2014 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere — which is already a beautifully evolved wine now at the eight year mark. A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, heady cedar, worn leather and suggestions of red currants with wet gravel notes all fill the nose. The palate is very soft and refined, showing medium-bodied dark cherry and black raspberry notes, alongside sandy and loamy soil profiles on the palate. Very seamless throughout the drinking experience, the 2014 really elegant Left Bank Bordeaux to enjoy right now. Drink 2022-2037- 94
2015 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere- The outstanding 2015 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere combines 53% Cabernet Sauvignon with 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. It is quite simply a gorgeous showing from this outstanding vintage in Bordeaux. Once on the nose this shows off red currant jelly with cigar box and red floral notes that all meld in the glass. The palate is medium to full-bodied with good underlying tension. Dusty soils combine with rich red and dark fruits, alongside shades of pencil lead on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 94
2016 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere- The gorgeous Chateau Malartic Lagraviere is a similar blend to the 2014, composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Stored in nearly all new French oak barrels (80%), this offers a richer dark fruit profile than the 2014. Sandalwood, cassis, iron and suggestions of graphite all fill the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and very elegant with a seamless texture. Showing beautiful balance, this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Already nicely evolved, give this an hour or two of air if savoring in its youth. Drink 2022-2042- 95