Malartic Lagravière rouge - Pessac-Léognan 2023

Wine Advocate

90

par Yohan Castaing le 10/04/2026

One of the rare wines that does not entirely confirm the expectations formed at the en primeur stage, the 2023 Malartic Lagravière reveals aromas of cigar wrapper, smoke, cassis and oak, underscored by a slightly carnal nuance. Medium- to full-bodied, structured and tannic, it is firm and somewhat rustic on the finish. Time in the cellar will be required for it to harmonize and fully reveal its potential.

The Wine Palate

93

par Lisa Perrotti-Brown le 09/04/2026

The 2023 Malartic Lagravière has a deep garnet-purple color. It needs a little shaking to wake up scents of ripe blackberries and blackcurrant jelly, followed by hints of pencil shavings, tobacco leaf, and bay leaves. The light- to medium-bodied palate is coated with ripe, expressive black and red fruits, supported by grainy tannins and racy freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. The blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, with the remainder Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

par Jeb Dunnuck le 31/03/2026

Based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc and aged in 60% new French oak with the balance in second-fill barrels, the 2023 Château Malartic-Lagravière is a gorgeous, round, and layered effort showing ripe cherries, cassis, spicy wood, and graphite on the nose. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with supple tannins and terrific overall balance. It's not massive, but it shines for its purity and finesse, and it's very much in the classic, balanced style of the vintage. Drink this outstanding Pessac-Léognan over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2026-2046.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94

par Jeff Leve le 30/03/2026

Espresso, smoke, flowers, black cherries, licorice, and cinnamon fill the aromatic profile. The palate is even better with its display of round, soft, creamy, yet, vibrant red and black fruits. There is a hint of espresso, spice and mint in the finish adding complexity in the wine. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2028-2050.

Vinous

93

par Antonio Galloni le 16/03/2026

The 2023 Malartic Lagravière is an attractive Grand Vin, one that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Dark-toned fruit, leather, incense, licorice, grilled herbs, tobacco and chocolate open nicely. Medium in body, with good energy, the 2023 offers fine near- and medium-term appeal. There is a bit of edginess in the tannins that will benefit from some time in bottle.

Vinous

94

par Neal Martin le 01/02/2026

The 2023 Malartic Lagravière expresses the terroir and character of Pessac-Léognan with style: blackberry and wild strawberry, black olive and marine scents, just a hint of Japanese wakame. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, smooth and harmonious, classic Bordeaux and proud of it. This is unequivocally a cut above many other Pessac-Léognan wines tasted in Bordeaux.

Jamessuckling.com

97

par James Suckling le 27/01/2026

Wow. This is a really powerful white with aromas of sliced apples, pears, yellow fruit and oyster shells. It shows undertones of vanilla and pie crust. Full-bodied and layered, with excellent depth, power and intensity. Drink in three or four years.

My Bettane + Desseauve

92

par Bettane & Desseauve le 15/05/2024

Bon corps, sur la structure, la suite du vieillissement en barrique lui donnera l’étoffe et l’assouplissement du tannin attendus.

Yvesbeck.wine

92-94

par Yves Beck le 14/05/2024

Malartic offenbart sich Schritt für Schritt, mit Frische und Frucht als Anführer, bzw. Noten von Graphit, schwarzen Beeren und Gewürzen! Der Wein ist zunächst schlank, gewinnt an Breite und kann auf die Unterstützung seiner samtenen Tannine zählen, die ihm ein etwas Gelassenheit aber auch Kraft verleihen. Dieser elegante und seidige Wein entfaltet sich nahtlos dem Gaumen entlang und zeichnet sich durch sein recht langes Finale aus.

Jeb DUNNUCK

92-94

par Jeb Dunnuck le 13/05/2024

The 2023 Château Malartic-Lagravière comes from 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. It has a rocking bouquet of ripe red and black fruits interwoven with classic spice (sandalwood?), dried flowers, and smoky tobacco nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's as charming as they get and will shine with just short-term cellaring.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94

par Jeff Leve le 06/05/2024

Black cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, and blackberries form the nucleus of the wine. Fresh, bright, and with a string sense of salt-crusted minerality on the palate, the wine finishes with a vibrant, chewy, spicy, character with an accent of garrigue accompanying the peppy red berries in the endnotes. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. 13.2% ABV. Drink from 2028-2050. 92-94 Pts.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

95

par Jane Anson le 06/05/2024

Excellent vintage at Malartic, rich plum colour, cocoa bean, black chocolate, anis and fennel, this is skilfully constructed. Peony and iris notes arrive through the mid palate, giving a focus on savoury Cabernet, cassis bud, mint leaf, elegant and well measured. You can see the building blocks and feel totally confident about how well it will develop over the next decade and beyond - suggest waiting at least six to eight years before opening. Great stuff from the Bonnie family, who continue to make this an unmissable Pessac. 38.95hl/ha yield.

Vinous

92-94

par Antonio Galloni le 30/04/2024

The 2023 Malartic Lagravière is a beautifully poised, elegant wine. It is perhaps not as exuberant as many wines in this vintage, and yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. I find the interplay of rich, heady flavors, aromatics and classicism to be intriguing. It will be interesting to see where this goes, but I like the direction. Lifted floral top notes add to an impression of understated finesse.

Vinous

90-92

par Neal Martin le 29/04/2024

The 2023 Malartic Lagravière has a tightly wound nose with blueberry and blackberry fruit, touches of iris flower and peony. The oak here is nicely integrated, yet it needs more vigor and terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit. This is nicely structured with a fine line of acidity, though a touch more detail would help the finish. Tasted from two different bottles, the 2023 is a serious Pessac-Léognan, but I found myself more drawn to the 2022 last year. I prefer the estate's impressive white counterpart.

Falstaff

93

par Peter Moser le 29/04/2024

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening at the edge. Restrained, delicate cherries, a hint of cranberries, fresh orange zest underneath. Medium body, red berryish texture, subtle fruitiness, ripe tannins, elegant and fresh, a balanced food wine with medium perspective.

The Wine Independent

91-93

par Lisa Perrotti-Brown le 28/04/2024

The 2023 Malartic Lagraviere has a deep garnet-purple color. It bursts from the glass with bold notions of kirsch, wild blueberries, and cassis, plus nuances of pencil lead, tar, and cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is coated with ripe, expressive black and blue fruits, supported by plush tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing earthy.

Wine Advocate

91-93

par Yohan Castaing le 26/04/2024

The 2023 Malartic Lagravière, a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, exudes aromas of dark wild berries, violet, mulberries, spices and licorice, complemented with a delicate touch of oak. Medium to full-bodied, supple and elegant with bright acids and a delicate mid-palate, it’s refined and less structured than the 2022 vintage, making it a classic expression from this estate.

Jamessuckling.com

95-96

par James Suckling le 25/04/2024

Very pretty and polished with blackberry, blueberry and ink character, as well as a hint of hazelnut. It’s medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins to the fruit. Fine and flavorful finish.

Vertdevin

91

par Jonathan Chicheportiche le 24/04/2024