Château Malartic-Lagravière Blanc 2023 — Pessac-Léognan, BDX France 🇫🇷
Overview
A precision-driven, electric yet composed white blend of Sauvignon Blanc 79% · Sémillon 21% delivering razor-clean acidity, layered citrus tension, and mineral depth that instantly reconfirms a deep love for Pessac-Léognan whites. Vibrant, energetic, and beautifully balanced, this wine stands shoulder-to-shoulder with many of the top benchmark whites of the appellation.
Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, grapefruit pith, white peach, green apple, crushed stone, subtle smoke, fresh herbs, faint vanilla, and delicate oak spice.
Mouthfeel
Bright, linear acidity with excellent tension and drive. Medium-bodied, sleek and polished, showing freshness without sharpness and a long, mouthwatering finish.
Food Pairings
Grilled branzino or halibut, lemon-herb chicken, goat cheese crostini, sushi and sashimi, scallops with citrus beurre blanc, spring vegetable risotto.
Verdict
A serious, high-class white delivering energy, clarity, and complexity in perfect harmony. Confident, compelling, and dangerously drinkable already while clearly capable of further evolution. A reminder of why Pessac-Léognan whites remain world-class benchmarks.
Did You Know?
Malartic-Lagravière is one of the rare estates classified for both red and white wines in Graves, with a strong focus on precision vineyard management and restrained oak to preserve freshness and terroir expression.
🍷 Personal Pick
This bottle effortlessly showcases balance, tension, and layered nuance that hits exactly my sweet spot, a reaffirmation of my deep love for Pessac-Léognan whites and now firmly seated among my newest favorites. — 23 days ago
Courtesy of Chris at Stefano’s. — 9 days ago
Château Suduiraut, 2023, Sauternes BDX, France 🇫🇷
Overview
Premier Cru Classé Sauternes delivering pure botrytis luxury blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Sauvignon Gris with remarkable tension and precision. Lush honeyed richness balanced by vibrant acidity and a beautifully layered texture that feels both decadent and weightless. Sensual, polished, and deeply expressive, this is a dessert wine that seduces rather than overwhelms.
Aromas & Flavors
Orange blossom, acacia honey, apricot confit, ripe peach, saffron, candied citrus peel, subtle vanilla bean, almond paste, and a whisper of ginger spice. Floral lift intertwines with botrytis-driven sweetness and fresh citrus brightness.
Mouthfeel
Silky, viscous, and coating without heaviness. Glycerol richness glides across the palate while acidity keeps the wine lifted, focused, and endlessly drinkable. Long, luxurious, and caressing finish.
Food Pairings
Foie gras torchon, blue cheese (Roquefort or Stilton), apricot tart, almond pastries, honey-drizzled chèvre, citrus-based desserts, or simply enjoyed solo as a contemplative finale.
Verdict
Sublime, sexy, and impeccably balanced. A masterclass in tension between sweetness and freshness, delivering pleasure, elegance, and emotional impact in equal measure. A benchmark nightcap wine.
Did You Know?
Château Suduiraut sits adjacent to Château d’Yquem and shares similar gravelly terroir and noble rot influence, often delivering First Growth-level finesse at a more approachable price point.
🍯 Personal Pick
This wine feels like a French kiss, seductive tension, velvet weight, and honeyed decadence wrapped in electric freshness. The viscosity caresses the palate while the acidity keeps everything irresistibly alive. — 23 days ago
Brilliant and complex wine. Personally i couldnt find any hint of sauvignon blanc on the nose and it reminds me more of a chardonnay. Great use of wood and acidity. Will improve in the coming years. Highly recommmend! Served with roasted cauliflower soup — 20 days ago
Too much of everything for me. — 14 days ago
Andrew Cullimore
Medium lemon yellow. Quite reserved at first with some honied , yellow fruits , peach conserve , pear and quince , touch of candle wax . On the palate this is intense and with well balanced acidity, good extract and freshness , pear , honied apple , lightly toasty finish . Good length and still showing very well , now and over the next 10 years . Still fresh and lively. — 8 days ago