Amazing Bordeaux Buy — Excellent Vintage, Priced to Move

2016 Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan (Elsewhere $75) $49.99

96 points James Suckling: "I love the deep and complex nose, in which the cassis and mint of Cabernet Sauvignon are beautifully married to the more generous blackberry of ripe Merlot and the vanilla and toasty notes from the oak are marvelously integrated. On the palate it creeps up on you slowly; the first impression is ripe yet delicate, then the fine-grained tannins charge through and light up the sky. Very long finish." (02/2019)

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "The Bonnie familys estate has produced a richly structured wine, full of the ripe tannins indicative of the vintage. To balance the structure, powerful flavors of black currant and dark berries give ripeness. *Cellar Selection* (RV)" (05/2019)

95 points Vinous: "The 2016 Malartic-Lagravière has a wonderful bouquet of perfumed, mainly red fruit laced with potpourri, black olive tapenade and light brine-like aromas - a bouquet full of personality. The fresh, harmonious palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and just the right amount of salinity toward the loam-tinged finish. Bon vin from the Bonnies. (NM)" (01/2019)

95 points Chris Kissack: "A blend only just dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, at 53%, with 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The élevage was in 80% new oak. On the nose I get smoked black cherry, with a fresh raspberry lift and a little curranty depth. The start of the palate oozes harmony and seamless confidence, with a lovely backdrop of ripe and svelte tannins. This has a fabulous fruit profile, showing very fresh and bright, leading into a wonderfully energetic, vibrant and cleansed finish, one loaded with tightly knit tannin. This is an excellent result with a bright future ahead of it." (12/2018)

Kerry Kirkham | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 25, 2025

Composed of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot that aged on its fine lees for 18 months in 80% new oak, with Michel Rolland as consulting winemaker. The first sip evokes the luxurious softness of cashmere, enveloping the palate with rich flavors of plum, blackberry coulis, tobacco, and Earl Grey tea, accented by smile-inducing bergamot notes. Silky, opulent tannins build up to a harmonious finish, beautifully striking all the right chords in this exquisite Pessac.

Scott Beckerley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 23, 2025

Quite dark colour in the glass! Upfront scents of toasted wood, dark currants and spearmint. In the mouth, very, very supple and mouth filling with rich dark red fruits, very fine (almost dainty!) tannins, a hint of ripe cranberry ending with black licorice and a passing whiff of minerals. Complex and extremely pleasing!

Craig Morris | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 23, 2025

From the stellar 2016 vintage, the Malartic-Lagravière is strong on the nose with blackcurrant, dark fruit, mushroom, and a hint of smoke. On the palate the wine is bright and juicy, full of rich sour cherries, tons of umami, and just a hint of cocoa on the finish. This is a youthful and energetic wine even at 9 years of age. The tannins are very soft and there's just a hint of maturation, but there's enough acidity that you can either lay this down a few more years or drink it now with some red meat or something gamey.