Only six estates in the Graves Classification earned Cru Classé status for both their red and white wines, and Château Malartic-Lagravière is one of them. It is a rare distinction that speaks to an unusually complete terroir, but the Rouge remains unmistakably Pessac-Léognan: Cabernet-driven, mineral, and marked by the smoky, savory character that has defined the great wines of Graves for centuries.

The 2016 is a beautifully proportioned expression, blending 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Cassis, blackberry, violet, tobacco, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle incense emerge from a dense but polished core, with Merlot supplying flesh around the Cabernet's structure. A substantial 80% new-oak élevage has integrated remarkably well, leaving texture and spice rather than overt wood.

This is exactly where 2016 Bordeaux gets interesting. Nearly a decade after harvest, the wine is entering its drinking window with the tannins beginning to relax, while the fruit, acidity, and mineral backbone remain firmly intact. With 96 points from both James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, Malartic-Lagravière offers the pedigree of a Cru Classé and the distinctive gravel-and-smoke signature that makes Pessac-Léognan unlike anywhere else on the Left Bank.

The Pinnacle of 2016 Graves Winemaking

A rare expression of Pessac-Léognan finesse and precision. As a Classified Growth in Graves, this wine marries depth, structure, and elegance, offering a layered, aromatic experience that reflects both the estate’s meticulous viticulture and the extraordinary quality of the 2016 vintage.

The Wine - Château Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan

• Classification: Cru Classé de Graves
• Vintage: 2016
• Critics Score: 95 points

The 2016 Malartic-Lagravière combines concentration with elegance, producing a wine of remarkable balance and expressive character. The blend showcases Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc (for the reds) or Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon (for whites, if included), depending on the cuvée, revealing the estate’s signature harmony between richness, aromatic purity, and structural precision.

Situated in Pessac-Léognan, the estate benefits from deep gravel soils over clay that ensure perfect drainage, concentrated ripening, and enhanced minerality. The estate blends tradition with modern viticulture, emphasizing precision, balance, and terroir expression. Malartic-Lagravière’s wines are known for their aromatic complexity, elegance, and longevity, and the 2016 vintage perfectly embodies this philosophy.

2016 Vintage: A Year of Extraordinary Precision

The 2016 Bordeaux vintage distinguished itself through:

• Remarkable uniformity of quality across the region
• Exceptional terroir expression
• Outstanding balance and complexity
• Moderate alcohol levels
• Impressive aging potential

Pessac-Léognan benefited from consistent weather and ideal ripening conditions, producing grapes with small, thick skins that concentrated flavor without excessive sugar. At Malartic-Lagravière, this resulted in a wine of extraordinary clarity and energy. Dark berry fruit, graphite, and subtle smoky nuances are layered over a mineral backbone, while finely grained tannins provide structure and vibrant acidity adds lift. The wine reflects both immediate approachability and remarkable aging potential, perfectly showcasing the Graves style of balance, aromatic complexity, and finesse.

Pessac-Léognan

Renowned for producing red and white wines of elegance and structure with a distinct mineral character. Its gravelly soils, proximity to the Garonne, and temperate climate provide ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon. The appellation produces wines with aromatic depth, refined tannins, and a balance between richness and freshness. Château Malartic-Lagravière exemplifies the region’s signature combination of power, finesse, and aromatic complexity.

Critical Acclaim

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

"2016 was a year where site trumped vintage. The wines communicate their origins with unprecedented clarity and precision."

Jancis Robinson MW

"An exceptional vintage marked by small, thick-skinned grapes, high tannin, vibrant acidity, and superb aromatic complexity."

Tasting Profile

The 2016 Château Malartic-Lagravière reveals:

• Deep garnet-purple color
• Complex aromatics of dark berries and graphite
• Elegant, structured palate with refined tannins
• Layers of black fruit with subtle smoky undertones
• Sophisticated, mineral-driven finish

Impeccable Provenance

Meticulously sourced and stored:

• Acquired Ex Chateau En Primeur in 2017
• Released between June 2018 and March 2019
• Stored at Dartess in Bordeaux
• Transferred to London City Bond in February 2020

Authenticity Guaranteed

Delivered with a SommSelect Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring complete traceability and optimal storage conditions.A rare opportunity to own a piece of Bordeaux history, perfectly capturing the exceptional 2016 vintage.