Château Malescot St Exupéry 2023

Heavenly, floral bouquet with cassis and raspberry; taut and structured, crisp fruit, fine, distinctive tannins, showing flow and length. Once again, exceptionally well crafted.

Here we have a wine that succeeds with aromatic refinement, including white flower, crushed herbs, blackberry, plum, cassis and raspberry with hints of fine dark chocolate. Quite nice indeed. Now, the palate does have an initially tight and structured feel, highlighted by high-toned, crisp fruit, but then comes the seashell fresh finish, which grew on me, with a veritably appealing drinkability aspect. Potential for a higher score once barrel ageing takes its course.

Black cherries, blackberries, licorice, chocolate, and flowers create an opulent, deep, dark, styled wine. The fruits are ripe, soft, polished, sweet, clean, and pure. There is weight, with ample lift, making it fresh, as well as fruity. The amount of new French oak for the aging has been reduced from 80% to 60%, which has added more complexity to the wine. The wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. 14% ABV. Harvesting took place September 19–October 10. Drink from 2029–2055. 93–95 pts.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening at the edge. Delicately tobacco-like, ripe cherry fruit, hints of cranberries, floral touch, candied orange zest. Deep, dark berry fruit, vivid tannins, subtle fruit on the finish, nougat on the finish, salty aftertaste, good ageing potential.