Château Malartic Lagravière really begins at the end of the 18th century, thanks to the family of Count Hippolyte de Maurès de Malartic. However, it was not until 1850 that the new owner of the estate, Mrs. Arnaud Ricard, awarded the name of Malartic to that of Lagravière in tribute) this illustrious admiral. Finally, it is Jacques Marly who will take over the direction of the Domaine from 1947. Finally, in 1996, the Château takes a new course with the arrival of the Bonnie family at its head. Château Malartic-Lagravière is one of six Crus graded both white and red in the 1953 Graves classification.
Situated for centuries on the finest gravel hilltop in Léognan, the estate covers 73 hectares (180 acres), including 7 hectares (17 acres) of vines for white wine. Famous all over the world for its intense, complex, and elegant wines, Château Malartic-Lagravière is one of only six estates in Bordeaux classified for both its white and red wines.
Its red and white wines, both the first growth and the second wine, reflect Malartic’s ancestral terroir. They offer refinement and elegance on the palate, accompanied by a complexity and generosity that reveal the diversity and excellence of its terroir.
The Château has gained an international reputation for its wines, which are often described as "haute-couture". Harmonious, elegant and richly flavoured, they are appreciated on the finest tables.
Malartic’s red wines have a dense, juicy attack, a velvety, silky mouthfeel and superb balance, giving full expression to a long, enveloping tannic structure. Aromas of red and black fruit develop, combined with a rich, complex aromatic palette, while at the same time offering a sensation of exceptional freshness. Distinguished tannins ensure a beautiful smooth texture and an elegant structure. Retaining this elegance, the older vintages are characterized by a hint of spice and mocha-chocolate, becoming slightly smoky, and sometimes mentholated.
Age of the vine: 30 years old
Ageing potential: Can be kept 12-15 years
Culinary Recommendation: To serve 16 C - 18 C. Good match with Stuffed quail, duck with orange, Chateaubriand, rack of lamb, goose confit, grilled lamb chops, American lobster, Osso bucco, chicken on a spit.
Awards:
92 “Expressive nose with distinct fruit… Slightly toasted aroma, hints of cold smoke and graphite. On the palate well structured with juicy fruit, elegant spicyness and convincing length. A very fine and elegant example in 2013.”
Markus del Monego – February 2016
91 “Very attractive core of berry, mineral and fresh-tobacco character. Medium to full body, velvety tannins. Balanced. ”
James Suckling – jamessuckling.com – April 2014
90 - 93 Robert Parker - erobertparker.com - August 2014
17 Rolf Bichsel & Barbara Schroeder - Vinum - Juillet - Août 2014
90 - 92 Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast - April 2014
90 - 91 James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2014
17 - 90 Steven Spurrier - decanter.com - April 2014
88 - 91 Antonio Galloni - vinousmedia.com - April 2014
16.5+ Matthews Jukes - matthewsjuke.com - April 2014
91 Michel Bettane - Thierry Desseauve - Avril 2014
90 Jacques Perrin - le blog de Jacques Perrin - Mai 2014
15.5 - 16.5 Philippe Maurange - La Revue du Vin de France - Avril 2014
15 Farr Vintners - farrvintners.com - April 2014
89 - 91 Yves Beck - beckustator.com - April 2014
88 - 91 James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2014
Ben Kennedy - www.thedrinksbusiness.com - April 2014