About the Wine

The history of this estate dates back to 1756. Having enjoyed an excellent reputation from the beginning of the nineteenth century, Château Malartic-Lagravière was one of only six properties in Bordeaux to enter the 1953 Graves classification for both its red and white wines.

After a brief period under the stewardship of champagne maker Laurent-Perrier, a new course was set in late 1996 when Alfred-Alexandre and Michèle Bonnie bought Château Malartic-Lagravière, a Classified Growth in Graves.

Alfred-Alexandre Bonnie occupied positions as a director and CEO of major companies before turning to his passion for wine. Beginning in 1997, this Belgian couple embarked on an extensive program of changes. Assisted in 2003 by their son Jean-Jacques and his wife Séverine, and joined by their eldest daughter, Véronique, and husband Bruno in 2008, the Château is a family affair.

Their top priority is to instill quality at all levels: the care lavished on the vines is worthy of the estate’s superb viticultural heritage and the ultra-efficient wine-making facilities installed which are among the most sophisticated in Bordeaux. As a result of all these efforts, Malartic-Lagravière has regained the splendor that earned its wines their international reputation. The adventure is now a family affair with the help of world-renowned oenologist Michel Rolland.

In 2005, the family invested in another French property, acquiring Château Gazin Rocquencourt, one of the oldest properties in Pessac-Léognan, which is not far from Malartic-Lagravière.

Tasting Notes: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes. 

Reviews

The 2020 Malartic Lagravière, whose picking was completed on September 24, before the rains, has a bright, vivid nose of mineral-infused red fruit mixed with hints of blueberry and cassis. Very focused and precise, this is an aromatically sophisticated Pessac-Léognan. The palate is medium-bodied with graphite-tinged black fruit, hints of wild mint coming through, and lively and tensile toward the finish. This is one of the best vintages of Malartic Lagravière that I have encountered out of bottle. Ignore at your peril. ~94-96 Neil Martin Vinous Media

Based on a blend of 50.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47.8% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that hit 14.2% natural alcohol, the 2020 Château Malartic-Lagravière offers a gorgeously pure nose of both red and blue fruits as well as lots of floral and mineral nuances. Still aging in 65% new French oak, it's medium to full-bodied and has the vintage’s rich, concentrated style yet gorgeous purity of fruit as well as ripe, polished, building tannins. It's one seriously good 2020 that will impress with short-term bottle age and keep for 25 years or more. It's up with the crème de la crème of the appellation. Tasted three times with consistent notes. ~93-95 Jeb Dunnuck

Concentration and intensity to the cassis and bilberry fruits. Well expressed, carefully extracted and there is good balance with a crushed mint freshness on the finish. Really starts to show subtle floral edging with time in the glass. It has a silky texture and a finessed fresh core that holds interest from beginning to end. Another successful year at this estate. Tasted twice, and this is one of the successes of the appellation. A yield of 26hl/ha (24hl/ha Cabernets, 28l/ha Merlots) compared to 46hl/ha last year. 65% new oak, harvest from 9 to 24 September. Second year with Eric Boissenot as consultant. Drinking Window 2029 - 2044 ~94 Decanter

Lots of blackberry, cherry and walnut aromas and flavors. Some tar, too. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and energetic. ~93-94James Suckling

The deep purple-black 2020 Malartic Lagraviere leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of Bing cherries, black raspberries, ripe plums and boysenberries, plus suggestions of pencil lead, wild sage and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate has lovely energy and freshness, offering a solid backbone of grainy tannins to support the lively red and black fruit layers, finishing savory. The tentative blend is 50.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47.8% Merlot, and 1.8% Cabernet Franc, with only 38% of production going into the grand vin. The alcohol is 14% this year. Commencing with the 2020 vintage, the estate has chosen a new bottle for the grand cru and second vin, highlighted by an engraved ship, the symbol of the estate. ~92-94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate