Château Malescot St Exupéry 2022

Aromas of sweet blackberries, espresso roast, petals and toasty oak introduce the 2022 Malescot St. Exupery, a medium- to full-bodied, rich but lively wine with a ripe core of jammy fruit, supple tannins and a slightly evolved finish. This appears to have lost a touch of precision during élevage.

A flat-out stunner, with waves of blackberry, black currant and plum that tumble through like crumpled velvet, while the vintage's telltale iris/violet gilding weaves throughout. There's a long tug of warm humus and a deftly inlaid alder smoke accent as well. Seriously long, with the fruit providing a steady grip. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2042. 8,364 cases made.

Intensely perfumed and fragrant on the nose, supple and succulent, really quite juicy and highly acidic with both dark blackcurrant and red cherry juiciness. Tannins are nicely present, filling yet with great texture, and this has a lovely overall brightness and vibrancy that some lack. I really like this: it feels elegant and finely detailed, soft, not trying too hard. It will be easier drinking than some, but very nice. A yield of 30 hl/ha. Harvest from 19 September to 5 October. Ageing in French oak for 12–14 months, 70% new.

Espresso, black raspberries, chocolate, cherries, and mint aromas pop in the perfume. The palate is lush, round, and full, with creamy tannins, and a long, intense wave of black cherries, espresso, chocolate, and a refreshing note of spearmint on the backend, which I really like a lot. The wine is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2050.

Deep dark ruby in colour with an opaque core, purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nose, fine nuances of crystallised violets, invitingly fruity with black cherry, hints of cassis and liquorice and hints of nougat. The palate is juicy and complex, with silky tannins, fresh acidity, mineral and persistent with refreshing berry fruit and a fine core sweetness. Harmonious and fine with an immensely attractive finish, the wine has great potential for ageing.

Spicy red and black currants, leafy tobacco, spicy wood, loamy earth, and some sappy floral notes emerge from the 2022 Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, an incredibly complex, pure, elegant 2022 that has polished tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, drink this incredibly impressive, satisfying Margaux over the coming two decades.

A luscious nose of strawberry tart, with a touch of tangy redcurrant to balance the tart’s vanilla pastry. On the palate, a floral, succulent expression that is both opulent and controlled. Generous and radiant, this wine charms with its feminine, authentic character before it unfurls into a raw velvet finish.

Intense nose of cassis and elderberry, with mint and floral notes; compact palate with plenty of flesh on the bone, almost two mouthfuls of wine, generous fruit, ultra-fine tannins, lots of everything yet perfectly proportioned; long, highly aromatic finish. Will age very well.

Bottled without fining or racking to preserve all its fruit, the wine is dense and powerful. It is a very fine wine, the black currant aroma and powerful tannins giving an impressive appearance. Drink the wine from 2028.