Château Malartic-Lagravière 2025

Château Malartic-Lagravière is one of the classed estates of Pessac-Léognan, in the Graves region south of the city of Bordeaux. The vineyards grow on deep beds of gravel and sand, the warm, free draining soils that give the appellation its name and lend the reds their distinctive smoky, mineral character. The blend leads on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot for flesh, Petit Verdot for colour and structure, and a little Cabernet Franc for lift. After fermentation the wine ages for 18 months in 225 litre French oak barrels, where the slow exchange of oxygen through the wood softens the tannins and adds cedar, tobacco and gentle spice. The colour is deep and dark. The nose shows ripe redcurrant, plum and cherry over a savoury edge of smoke, tobacco and warm gravel. The palate is structured and elegant, with fine grained tannins, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish that reflects the Graves terroir. It drinks well with air and rewards cellaring. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast and grilled meats.