Le Comte de Malartic 2020

A fine red wine from Bordeaux with beautiful density, well-balanced with a remarkable freshness

The estate

Under the auspices of the Bonnie family, the majestic Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere has experienced spectacular growth. This Grand Cru Classe de Graves benefits from an exceptional location, with a vineyard superbly situated on a gravelly outcropping. Endowed with state-of-the-art technical facilities, the Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere shines in the appellation, with white and red wines which stand out among the finest vineyards of Pessac-Leognan.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere covers 71 hectares of vines, aged 28 years on average. 62 hectares are in the AOC red Pessac-Leognan appellation. The soils consist of dry, clayey gravel and lie on subsoils of shell limestone and clay veins. To preserve this precious terroir, the estate uses environmentally friendly viticulture. Conducted through sustainable agriculture, the vineyard is certified at High Environmental Value Level 3.

The wine

During the wonderful 2020 vintage, La Reserve de Malartic changed its name. From this year onwards, this wine variety will be called Le Comte de Malartic Rouge.

The vintage

The vintage will remain etched in people’s minds as a particularly early vintage due to the exceptional weather conditions. Spring was relatively cool and humid. In March, frost hit the chateau, while in April, strong heat picked up at the vineyard. The weather conditions in May allowed for a flowering that was as quick as it was homogeneous. The summer was hot, dry, sometimes even scorching. The harvests even ended under particularly hot conditions.

The winemaking and ageing

After the manual harvests, the berries are carefully selected on a double sorting table. Subsequently, the grapes are macerated in small, double-walled, thermoregulated wooden and stainless steel tanks for a period of 21 to 23 days. The wine is blended early. Finally, it ages on its lees in 30% new barrels for around 15 months.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (39%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%).

The tasting

Le Comte de Malartic Rouge 2020 is a wine with a great density and concentration, balanced with a superb freshness. Balance and freshness are not lacking. The aromatic power harmonizes wonderfully with the silky structure. The palate is long and bright.