2015 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Pessac Leognan

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.

This wine comes from a superb year. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 95-point review, stating that "Bordeaux enjoyed its strongest vintage in a number of years in 2015." where the"2015s are spectacularly rich, racy wines loaded with personality." 

: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes. 

Deeper wine from the get-go with dark violets, mocha, cassis and blackberries. The palate has suave, smooth and sturdy tannins and terrific length. Very polished and seamless with flavors of fresh black cherries, blackcurrants and blue plums. ~96 James Suckling

The 2015 Malartic Lagravière is just as fabulous from bottle as it was from barrel. Rich, voluptuous and dramatic, it captures all of the natural intensity of the year. Black cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, licorice and French oak build into a crescendo of stunning aromas, flavors and textures. This is in an especially dark, sumptuous style, but it all works beautifully. The 2015 was positively thrilling each of the three times I tasted it. ~96 Vinous Media

Full of black-currant flavor, this firm wine has structure and a rich texture. Its bolstering tannins and vibrant acidity mark out an age-worthy selection. Spice tones and a dry core set the stage for a slow development into an even more complex and fulfilling wine. ~96 Wine Enthusiast

One of only six estates classified in both red and white. This is great, with rich, smoky coffee grounds and not a hint of bitterness. It's easily one of the best Malartics I have tasted, hitting another level and showing improvement from its en primeur state. Very enjoyable with great persistency, it's not trying too hard but still makes its presence known. ~94 Decanter

The 2015 Malartic-Lagravière is also terrific and comes from a 46-hectare vineyard in Léognan. Made from 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it offers a smorgasbord of aromatics including red currants, ripe cherries, cassis, licorice, toasty oak, and spice. With full-bodied richness, building tannin, and a rounded, sumptuous style, as well as a great finish, it’s going to benefit from several years in the cellar and keep for 15-20 years. Tasted three times. ~92 Jeb Dunnuck

Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 80% of which were new and 20% one-year-old, the 2015 Malartic Lagraviere is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has notes of crushed black currants, fresh black berries and black raspberries with hints of tar, dried herbs and garrigue. The palate is medium-bodied, energetic and refreshing in the mouth with firm, grainy tannins and an uplifting finish. ~92 Wine Advocate

A slightly high-pitched style, with a mix of red currant and raspberry fruit laced with rooibos tea and blood orange notes. A good snap of licorice adds weight on the finish, showing a flash of tar. Has sneaky depth and should evolve well in the cellar. ~92 Wine Spectator

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