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.

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels.

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

Reviews

This large estate of 131 acres has been run brilliantly by a Belgian family, the Bonnies since their acquisition a number of years ago. The quality of the white and red have soared to exceptional heights, and this is certainly still one of the more realistically priced wines of Pessac-Lèognan and classified crus. The 2012 is a beauty, with a dense ruby/purple color, a fabulously plush, opulent texture and medium to full-bodied flavors of cassis, spicy earth and blueberry. Quite rich, yet light on its feet, this is an absolutely textbook Pessac-Lèognan, with wonderfully velvety tannins. Drink it now, or drink it in 25 years. This is a brilliant wine. ~94 Wine Advocate

Big, ripe and juicy, this wears its rich black fruits right up front. A strong and firmly tannic structure serves as a background to the fruit. The wine is rich, complex and full of potential. Spice, ginger and nutmeg come through at the end along with the fruit. Drink from 2022. ~94 Wine Enthusiast

The 2012 Malartic-Lagraviere is fabulous. Dark, savory, and totally alluring, 2012 is super-expressive at this stage. Chalk, gravel, smoke, cured meats, tobacco, and wild herbs flesh out in a deep, substantial wine that should drink well for the next two decades-plus. With time in the glass, the 2012 turns darker, rich and more layered. Readers won't want to miss this delicious Pessac Léognan from Malartic-Lagravière. The 2012 is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Michel Rolland is the consultant. ~93+ Vinous Media

The nose is elegant, aromatic, racy, finely powerful, and finely rich. It reveals notes of blackberries, wild fruits combined with slight notes of minerality (terroir), cassis as well as slight notes of blackberry cream, cherry, licorice, a hint of cassis bud, a few discreet touches of toasted oak and discreet hint of cubeb pepper. The palate is fruity, mineral, silky, suave, gourmande and offers tension, a fine acid frame (brings dynamism) as well as a nice matter. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, cassis and fine notes of black cherry associated with a discreet note of blueberry, red fruit (strawberry and berries), fine notes of licorice as well as a discreet note of chocolate, toasted oak, a hint of sweet spices and an imperceptible hint of tea. Tannins are elegant. Good length. ~93 VertdeVin

Very good density and concentration, purity of fruit, young and present but ripe tannin, cassis, plum, tobacco, elegant spiciness, good length, promising. ~92 Andreas Larsson

The lightest hint of tobacco suggests this is moving into the next phase after seven years in bottle. Open and welcoming, it starts well with lovely black fruits through the attack, just receding a little on the finish. It's very well made, with balance, poise and a gourmet twist: the signature that the Malartic team has refined over the past decade. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. ~92 Decanter

This shows lots of precision and focus with blueberry, mineral and dried fruit character. Full body, fine tannins and a silky finish. Refined and composed. ~92 James Suckling

Solid, with dense layers of fig sauce, plum cake and blackberry confiture, laced with graphite and warm tar details. The long finish ripples with spice hints and black fruit, leaving a mouthwatering feel despite the heft. ~92 Wine Spectator

Dark ruby ​​garnet, violet reflections, delicate lightening of the edges, fresh wild berry confit, a hint of blueberries and blackberries, fresh herbal spices, some cloves. Juicy, elegant and freshly structured, well-woven tannins, sticks well, versatile. ~90 Falstaff

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