Château Malartic-Lagravière 2014

A full and structured Pessac-Léognan red wine

The estate

Under the aegis of the Bonnie family, the progress of the majestic Château Malartic-Lagravière has been spectacular. This Graves Grand Cru Classé boasts an exceptional location, with a vineyard superbly situated on a gravelly hilltop. Equipped with state-of-the-art technical facilities, Château Malartic-Lagravière radiates throughout the appellation with white and red wines that stand out among the finest in Pessac-Léognan.

The vineyard

Château Malartic-Lagravière 2014 is a Pessac-Léognan wine made from 53 hectares of vines, 46 of which are planted with red grapes. The vines, which are 28 years old on average, are planted on dry gravel and clay soils. The subsoil is made up of shell limestone and veins of clay.

The vintage

The 2014 vintage was marked by unstable weather conditions. A mild spring preceded a clement July, but August was patchy, going from hot and humid to very cool. From 27 August onwards, the weather conditions became optimal, until the end of the harvest. The teams worked with rigour throughout the growing season to counterbalance the unstable weather conditions. The first musts after the harvest were powerful and aromatic, with good acidity and good concentration. The Merlots are dense, round and opulent. The Cabernets are pure and long, marked by their sweetness and vibrant fruitiness.

Winemaking and ageing

Harvested by hand, the grapes were meticulously sorted before being vinified in small, truncated cone-shaped, temperature-controlled stainless steel and wooden vats. Vatting lasted 30 days. The wine was aged for around 18 months on its fine lees in French oak barrels, 70% of which were new.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (3%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château Malartic-Lagravière 2014

Tasting

Nose
The nose reveals intense fragrances of blackberries and crushed strawberries, enhanced by hints of spice, mainly peppery.

Palate
Full-bodied with fine tannins, the palate entices with its structure, density and fruity structure.