| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
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-Léognan 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. Drink 2015-2040.
The 2012 Malartic-Lagravière comprises a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It has a precocious bouquet laden with black cherry, blueberry and red plum fruit, hints of cedar and graphite developing with aeration. It is still very backward, a bit stubborn at the moment so decanting is advised if you intend to broach this in its youth. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, quite structured tannin, firm but well balanced and far more freshness and fruit intensity on the finish compared to the 2013. This is an excellent 2012 although it still needs three or four more years in bottle. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Malartic-Lagravière.
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. Better in 2019.
Very dark crimson. Smells rather leafy and Cabernet-dominated. Aromatic, then very sweet, then firm and with sandy tannins on the finish. Angular and more long term than many. Ambitious. There is great polish here. Calm finish (no heat). I admire the dryness and appetising, rather than palate-drying, tannins. Grown-up wine.
Deep ruby colour. The nose is bright with blueberry and black cherry fruit and a slight toast from oak. The palate is polished with soft, smooth and rounded tannins giving a lovely texture to accompany a juicy black cherry and blackcurrant fruit core. The finish is long and lifted by refreshing acidity. This is a really charming, rounded wine that will give excellent early drinking pleasure. This must be the best Bordeaux 2012 you can buy at this price. Superb value for money.
Rich ripe fruit fills out the nose and the start of the palate. Cassis and black cherry are underpinned by fresh bramble and this freshness and the firm tannins tend to hold back the fruit sweetness but the finish has depth and richness of flavour. 2018-30
This Belgian-owned estate has been making brilliant white and red Graves. Another beauty in a more difficult vintage than either 2009 or 2010, the 2012 Malartic Lagraviere is further evidence of how successful this vintage was in Pessac-Leognan. It possesses a dense purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of creme de cassis, licorice, bay leaf, lead pencil shavings and barbecue smoke. Medium to full-bodied and richly fruity with soft tannin, surprising length and an impressive mid-palate (a rarity in 2012), it should drink well for 15 years. Drink: 2013 - 2028
Very fine and elegant with a sliced plum, chocolate and tobacco character. Full and refined with pretty texture and a long finish. This has polish for the vintage. Clearly better than 2011.
This Pessac Leognan property has been making excellent wines in the past few vintages. A smoky Graves nose with red and black cherry fruit and a hint of sweet spice. Good weight of fruit on the palate with ripe chewy tannins. Blueberries, black cherry, smoke and toast dominate the palate which is well balanced by acidity.
