| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This Pessac Léognan château has been making excellent wines in recent years under the management of owner Jean-Jacques Bonnie, whose family purchased the property in 1997. The 46 hectare vineyard is planted with equal proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
The 2023 is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.
The 2023 Malartic Lagravière has a perfumed nose with blueberry/blackberry fruit and touches of iris flower and peony. The oak here is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, quite firm in the mouth and in need of a little more nuance and detail on the finish. It doesn't quite match recent vintages, missing the same energy and complexity.
The 2023 Malartic Lagravière, a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, exudes aromas of dark wild berries, violet, mulberries, spices and licorice, complemented with a delicate touch of oak. Medium to full-bodied, supple and elegant with bright acids and a delicate mid-palate, it’s refined and less structured than the 2022 vintage, making it a classic expression from this estate.
Bright ruby colour in the glass. The nose shows bruised plums and freshly baked pastries with a little blueberry. The palate is bright, light and fleet-footed, but perhaps a little too delicate. Gentle blue fruit and lightly sappy tannins are cut by quite prominent acidity that at this stage washes away some of this wine's depth. If it gains a little body in elevage this will be a charming, approachable wine.
Very pretty and polished with blackberry, blueberry and ink character, as well as a hint of hazelnut. It’s medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins to the fruit. Fine and flavorful finish.
The 2023 Malartic Lagraviere has a deep garnet-purple color. It bursts from the glass with bold notions of kirsch, wild blueberries, and cassis, plus nuances of pencil lead, tar, and cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is coated with ripe, expressive black and blue fruits, supported by plush tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing earthy.
Excellent vintage at Malartic, rich plum colour, cocoa bean, black chocolate, anis and fennel, this is skilfully constructed. Peony and iris notes arrive through the mid palate, giving a focus on savoury Cabernet, cassis bud, mint leaf, elegant and well measured. You can see the building blocks and feel totally confident about how well it will develop over the next decade and beyond - suggest waiting at least six to eight years before opening. Great stuff from the Bonnie family, who continue to make this an unmissable Pessac. 38.95hl/ha yield.
The 2023 Malartic Lagravière is a beautifully poised, elegant wine. It is perhaps not as exuberant as many wines in this vintage, and yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. I find the interplay of rich, heady flavors, aromatics and classicism to be intriguing. It will be interesting to see where this goes, but I like the direction. Lifted floral top notes add to an impression of understated finesse.
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Attractive nose showing a certain complexity. Lighter weight and frame but tannins smooth and refined. Some persistence. Should improve in bottle. (JL)
Drink 2027 – 2038
