Château Malescasse 2022

A warm gravel accent runs throughout a core of gently steeped blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors, with light brushstrokes of tobacco and cast iron on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,800 cases made, 1,040 cases imported.

Smoky notes, black currants, vanilla, and tobacco show in the nose. The palate shines with a burst of chewy cassis, blackberries, and chocolate in every sip. This is good now and will only improve with a year or so of age. Drink from 2026–2040.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, broader brightening on the rim. Delicately floral, ripe plums, some blackberry fruit and tobacco. Juicy, elegant, good fruit expression, appealing freshness, balanced and lasting with a mineral and salty finish, good length, certain ageing potential.

Dark and brooding on the opening, then it lifts to be light on its feet through the palate. The vintage has been really well judged, with plenty of pencil lead, spiced cumin and black pepper, juicy black fruits, good intensity and structure. Owner Philippe Austruy, 35 hl/ha yield, 33% new oak. A rare two-point upscore from En Primeur (when I suggested it was one to watch), and a buy.

The bouquet of Malescasse stands out for its finesse. It shows freshness, with notes of eucalyptus and subtle nuances of cherries and elderberry, followed by a touch of pralines. The finesse announced by the bouquet is well carried through on the palate. The wine is elegant and unfolds seamlessly from the attack to the finish. The tannins, velvety yet muscular, provide power, while the acid structure brings temperament and freshness. A Malescasse of rare elegance that beautifully combines vigor and finesse.

Dark, intense color. Highly aromatic nose with ripe, spicy fruit. Precise on the attack, with a juicy, silky body; the wine moves forward with savory, fleshy texture toward a good, sappy length, with wrapped, polished tannins. Lovely flavors. Blend: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot

Showing a certain classicism from the outset, its fine, upright structure, enhanced by precise, pure aromas, offers a promise of elegance. This is confirmed on the palate, aptly built on a well-defined tannic frame. Above all, this wine stands out for its subtle mouthfeel and the fresh support of its firm, slender substance, which carries its velvety texture beautifully through to a savory finish.

Fresh and lively, a real brightness and high acidity to the red berry fruit from the start with a soft grip and liquorice, wet stone aspect to the tannins. Feels really well worked, a little strict and focused right now, with some toasted spice on the finish, not so expansive, but I like the tension and drive, still with lots of freshness and gentle drinking appeal. HVE certified. Harvest 15 September - 7 October. Ageing 16 months; 40% new barrels, 60% one- and two-wine. Derenoncourt consultants.