A Grand Cru Classe de Graves, Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere is one of the most beautiful properties in the Pessac-Leognan appellation, in the southern Bordeaux region.
With a beautiful vineyard situated on a ridge of gravel, state-of-the-art facilities and the careful eye of consulting winemaker Michel Rolland, the wines of Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere display a remarkable consistency in quality, producing a deep and very precise style.
The 2017 vintage brought frost in April and a very early harvest. Nevertheless, Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere survived these challenges successfully. Despite a smaller yield, quality was not sacrificed in favor of quantity. An extremely careful selection process of first and second generation vines after the frost resulted in fruit picked at optimal ripeness.
Made from a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), and complemented by Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%), the Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere Red 2017 shows off the typical characteristics of the vintage through a superb aromatic profile.
Harmonious and expressive, the aromatic palette expresses the freshness and purity of the fruit. On the palate, the Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere 2017 seduces with its concentration and round texture. The tannic structure is very pleasant, finely grained and smooth. Achieving great complexity, depth and balance, the Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere Red 2017 is already showing signs of being a vintage worthy of the greatest wines of the Pessac-Leognan appellation.
Sixty percent of the crop made it into this grand vin this year. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, and it was aged in 45% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Malartic Lagraviere features baked blackberries, mulberries, pencil lead and spice cake with hints of chocolate box, menthol and cassis. The medium-bodied palate is plush, soft, juicy and expressive with a spicy finish.