This week, for my wedding (yes, I drank waaaay too much :)), my brother honored me with a Grand Clu Classe, a '96 Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere, from leognan in graves sub region, Bordeaux region.
Built on the Domaine de Lagraviere, bought by Admiral de Malartic in the late 18th century (hence the sailboat on the label!), this rich estate has developed thanks to the Ricard "dynasty" until the late 20th century, and well deserved its rank in the Grand Clu Classe de Graves from 1953. See here for the full list of Grand Cru Classe de Graves.
The Chateau has been bought over in 1997 by the Bonnie family, who had little experience in winemaking, but have considerably engaged into their passion to renovate and continue the prestige name of Malartic-Lagraviere. They invested $20m in refurbishing the place, have added a 3-star Michelin restaurant, and improved wine techniques, mixing traditional and modern to bring out the best juice.
Soft in structure, with a dominant of Merlot, this chateau holds one of the best vineyards in the region. Château Malartic-Lagravière is situated on a high terrace that has been deeply etched by the Eau Blanche stream and its tributaries. It sits on 8-meter-deep deposits of gravelly soil dating from the Quaternary period.
We used a decanter and opened it an hour before drinking, to reach room temperature (around 19-20 degrees). I was greatly surprised to note that this 21 year old wine is at its prime age !
Still silky violet taste, it has perfectly embraced the effects of oak ageing, adding hints of vanilla and toast. Clean, deep ruby, nose of pronounced violet , palate matching the nose, with finishes of wood, vanilla and toast. Medium acidity, medium + body, medium tannins, I rate it a 19/20. Specialists from Decanter rate it a 94/100 in good years, 91/100 in lesser years.
Where to buy in Singapore ? Right here for 80 SGD!
