TwoMoreGlasses.com® Chateau Malartic Lagraviere 2014, Pessac-Leognan (1x75cl) – 7856201105606

Château Malartic Lagraviére is a producer located in the Pessac-Léognan region of Graves in Bordeaux. It was one of only six châteaux to have both its red and white wines classified in the 1959 Graves classification, and since then, the estate has become a very modern winemaking establishment.

The château was originally purchased at the end of the 18th Century by the family of Count Hippolyte de Maurés de Malartic, an admiral who served in the French navy, notably during the Battle of Quebec in 1756; his legacy is commemorated with an 18th-century ship on the wine label. In 1850, it was purchased by Madam Arnaud Ricard, and was passed down through the family, before it was purchased in 1997 by the Bonnie family. With the help of architect Bernard Mazières and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland, they built the winery into a modern facility incorporating gravity flow tanks and temperature-controlled stainless steel vats in fermentation.

Château Malarctic Lagraviére covers 53 hectares (131 acres) on a high terrace, with deep deposits of gravelly soil over limestone and clay. The gravel gives excellent surface drainage, while the clay retains enough moisture to keep the vines hydrated throughout the growing season.

The flagship red is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, with an almost equal amount of Merlot, depending on the vintage, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The dry Blanc is predominately Sauvignon Blanc with a small percentage of Semillon. The château also makes a second-tier label, La Réserve de Malartic Rouge and Blanc.

Rated 94 points by Antonio Galloni – Vinous 

//The 2014 Malartic-Lagravière is a gorgeous wine, but it is also flamboyant and exotic, especially in its flavor profile. Super-ripe red cherry and plum make a strong first impression. Sweet floral and spice notes, along with ripe, silky tannins, add to the wine’s sensuality. A rich, powerful wine with soft contours and striking depth, the 2014 is a real beauty. It will be even more compelling once the new oak tannins soften a bit further. The blend is 52 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 % Merlot, 5 % Cabernet Franc and 3 % Petit Verdot. Tasted two times. //

Rated 94 points by James Suckling 

//So perfumed with a freshness and beauty that is amazing. Blackberries, black cherries and violets. Full-bodied yet so polished and velvety. Gorgeous finish. A beauty. Best ever in bottle from here? //

Rated 92 points by Jeff Leve 

//Plush, polished and lush with richness, concentration and a silky, round, fruit-filled finish. //

Rated 92 points by Wine Advocate 

//The 2014 Malartic-Lagraviere had quite a high-toned, upfront bouquet with kirsch, crushed strawberry, iodine and iris scents that do not hold back. The palate is rounded on the entry with supple tannin, possesses slightly lower acidity than its peers yet remains balanced. There is impressive depth to this Malartic-Lagravière with a subtle white pepper/sage note towards the finish. Though it will be overshadowed by the 2015, this is a well-crafted Pessac-Léognan with the chutzpah that it showed in barrel. //

Rated 91 points by Wine Spectator 

//Very solid, with a core of dark plum, blackberry and fig preserve notes held in check by tarry grip. Ample singed apple wood and cocoa elements form the frame. Give this time to meld fully. //