Malartic-Lagravière 2014, La Réserve de M-L 2014 and 2015

[Julian_Marshall]

I was inspired to try these after reading Jim’s post on the 2016:

2016 Malartic Lagraviere

My first taste of a 2016, at a store tasting with Veronique Bonnie who I believe is a co-owner. I had a couple pours of this wine after tasting their 2019 blanc and 2018 rouge. Each of the wines were excellent, but the 2016 just stood out for incredible balance and elegance. This could be opened and drunk today. Absolutely a delicious delight. I did not ask how long the bottle was open. This wine is not a huge powerhouse, but it is packed, mouthwatering and again, such elegance! Loved it, had t…

On paper, Malartic-Lagravière sounds like the sort of wine to send me running for the hills - quite modern, quite oaky and made with the help of Michel Rolland. Well, that’s why one needs to keep an open mind, because it’s actually very good, and so is its second wine:

La Réserve de Malartic Lagravière - Pessac-Léognan 2014

Blackberries, plus their leaves, a hint of oak and vanilla, then some red fruits on the nose, then a moderately spicy attack of the same, joined by blueberries and plums midpalate, before a cool, elegant finish of blackcurrant. Very stylish, very classy, not at all overdone and just a delightful wine. Still going strong but probably best to drink up over the next few years. 91 pts

La Réserve de Malartic Lagravière - Pessac-Léognan 2015

Blackberries again on the nose, but it leans much more towards blackcurrants, with some blueberry and sour cherry. Much the same fruits in the mouth, but very crisp and fresh, not at all like many other 2015s. Much more volume than the 2014, and still in its infancy, even if it is drinking very well. This is impressive for a second wine. 92 pts

Malartic-Lagravière - Pessac-Léognan 2014

Very similar to the 2014 Réserve in terms of the aromas and tastes, but with more of everything. Very deep and compelling, but without losing its essence, which is incredible elegance and finesse. Perhaps slightly more peppery than La Réserve, but a lot classier. 93 pts

I had started with the two Réserves over two evenings, not intending to open the top wine, but curiosity got the better of me. I was rather expecting that the Réserves would be closer in quality to the top wine, or even identical, but even if compared to the 2015 La Réserve, the gap in quality was less obvious, it was there all the same. The tannins are finer, the fruit is more pronounced, better defined, and the mouthfeel is just on a slightly higher level.

The general style of the wines is modern-classic, nothing overripe nor lush, just well-made and well-judged.

All three wines are highly recommended. La Réserve 2014 cost 15€, the 2015 18€ and the ML 2014 38€. For me the best value is the Réserve 2015, which is ridiculously cheap for the quality, but the ML 2014 is worth every penny too.
But money is money, and I’m not sure I won’t stick to La Réserve in the best vintages in the future.

[Jim_F]

I did not know it was a Rolland wine, but then again, I don’t search out that info. I figure it is better to just try the wines. I have had some really good ( for my tastes) Malartics over the years, hence, attended the tasting. Glad you liked what you drank, Julian.

[Jim_Stewart]

I enjoyed a bottle of the 2015 a couple of years ago and posted my impression in the “What wine did you open today” thread.

Jun 2023

2015 Malartic-Lagraviere
Hesitated a bit to check in on the first of my three bottles, but no worries.
Deep and dark:
-in color a deep crimson ruby;
-on the nose deep savory mixed with fruit;
-first impression on the palate dark plum and current, with a stone & mineral chaser;
-aftertaste, warm lingering fruit.
Very recommended.

[Brian_Pinci]

I love their white wine. Give it a try

[Julian_Marshall]

@Jim_F

I did not know it was a Rolland wine, but then again, I don’t search out that info. I figure it is better to just try the wines. I have had some really good ( for my tastes) Malartics over the years, hence, attended the tasting. Glad you liked what you drank, Julian.

I can’t remember where I read it, but it was after having tried the wines a few years ago and just made me smile! Actually, unlike some here, I don’t “blame” consultants for their influence on wines, but more the owners who request a certain style. Drinking the Réserve 15 made me think of Léoville-Poyferré 2015, which surprised me last year by its crisp classicism - and which is another estate advised by Rolland.

@Jim_Stewart

I enjoyed a bottle of the 2015 a couple of years ago and posted my impression in the “What wine did you open today” thread.

Jun 2023

2015 Malartic-Lagraviere
Hesitated a bit to check in on the first of my three bottles, but no worries.
Deep and dark:
-in color a deep crimson ruby;
-on the nose deep savory mixed with fruit;
-first impression on the palate dark plum and current, with a stone & mineral chaser;
-aftertaste, warm lingering fruit.
Very recommended.

Sounds good! I do have a couple but I think I’ll wait a bit.

@Brian_Pinci

I love their white wine. Give it a try

You’re absolutely right, I will have to find some.

One thing I forgot to put in my notes is how much better I found the Réserve than other more expensive P-Ls like Bouscaut or Carbonnieux. I quite like the latter’s whites, but their reds are just too lush for my palate.

[Robert.A.Jr]

@Julian_Marshall

On paper, Malartic-Lagravière sounds like the sort of wine to send me running for the hills - quite modern, quite oaky and made with the help of Michel Rolland.

You summed up my views, and I ran, I ran so far away. I just ran, I ran all night and day. But from Rolland, I couldn’t get away. Couldn’t get away.

I walk a lonely avenue.

[Julian_Marshall]

@Robert.A.Jr

@Julian_Marshall

On paper, Malartic-Lagravière sounds like the sort of wine to send me running for the hills - quite modern, quite oaky and made with the help of Michel Rolland.

You summed up my views, and I ran, I ran so far away. I just ran, I ran all night and day. But from Rolland, I couldn’t get away. Couldn’t get away.

I walk a lonely avenue.

All the way to La La Land?!

O ye of little faith, you should try one!

[Jim_F]

Agree, would be interested in Alfert’s take

[Ramon_C]

I’ve only had the 2000 Malartic-Lagraviere from my 3-bottle stash, purchased at release.

I didn’t know, nor care, that Rolland handle the mixing bowl, but will admit that the wine gave me enough of the Bordeaux experience that I‘m cool with. I didn’t buy any more, too many similar-priced Bdx out there that I want to try. TN posted here, somewhere.

[David_Cooper]

All I needed to know about Rolland I got from Mondovino.

Flock of Seagulls though, there is no need for that $hit.