Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere of Pessac-Leognan is one of only six Bordeaux chateaux that have both red and white classified wines.

Originally Domaine de Lagraviere, the estate was purchased at the end of the 18th century by the family of Count Hippolyte de Maures de Malartic, an admiral who served in the French Navy. The estate was then bought in 1850 by Madame Arnaud Ricard, who added the name Malartic to that of Lagraviere as a tribute to the former owners.

Located on the oldest wine-producing terroir in Bordeaux, Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere’s vineyard is on a high terrace of 8-meter-deep gravelly soil over limestone and clay. It covers 53 hectares planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

in 1998, the winery became one of the first to adopt a fully gravity-driven grape transport system. After manual harvests and double sorting on vibrating tables, grapes are transported to the vats and then to the barrels only by gravity. The vat room is also highly innovative. Its octagonal layout houses 20 stainless steel vats and 10 wooden ones, all conical and temperature-controlled. Being small, each one can accommodate the fruit from specific plots for individual vinification.

After blending, the wine is left to age in a 1200-barrel capacity air-conditioned cellar with controlled humidity levels. 25 to 35% of the barrels are replaced every year with new ones from the best coopers.

The red wine of Malartic-Lagraviere is typically 50+% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38–45% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc and/or Petit Verdot. Michel Rolland serves as consulting enologist.

The 2023 Malartic-Lagraviere Bordeaux Blend is an exquisite French wine that beautifully encapsulates the nuanced terroir of Bordeaux's Pessac Leognan region. The careful blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc gives life to a medium-bodied, elegantly refined wine that's delightfully rich in color with a captivating deep garnet-purple hue.

On the nose, this red wine has a myriad of complex, bold aromas. You'll find hints of kirsch, wild blueberries, and blackberry, intertwined with more subtle notes of ink, hazelnut, and cassis, all underpinned by a delicate touch of oak. As you delve deeper, you'll discover nuances of pencil lead, tar, and cardamom, adding to the wine's mysterious allure.

Upon tasting, the 2023 Malartic-Lagraviere unveils a harmonious interplay of ripe, expressive black and blue fruits, complemented by well-integrated tannins and a bright acidity. Flavors of dark wild berries, violet, and mulberries, combined with hints of spices and licorice, provide a delightful sensory experience. The finish is fine, flavorful, and earthy, leaving a lingering taste of its refined character.

This wine is less structured than the 2022 vintage, resulting in a classic expression from the esteemed producer, Malartic-Lagraviere. It carries a sense of understated finesse, with a beautifully poised, elegant nature that is sure to evolve intriguingly over time.

As affirmed by the consistently high scores and commendations from esteemed reviewers, including James Suckling, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, The Wine Independent, Vinous, and Jane Anson, the 2023 Malartic-Lagraviere is a testament to the mastery and quality of Bordeaux blends. It is recommendable to allow this wine to develop further, ideally waiting at least six to eight years before opening.