2021 Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Pale, shaded crimson. Not much nose. But layered fruit on the palate. Just a tad aggressive and stalky but pretty good. Very fresh. (JR)
Critic scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Château Malescot Saint Exupéry is rock-solid in the vintage, with a plump, medium-bodied, nicely textured style. Red and blue fruits, tobacco, spice, and some leafy herb notes all define the aromatics, and it has enough concentration and class to evolve for 10-12 years, if not longer. The blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, aged 12-14 months in barrel.
The 2021 Malescot Saint Exupéry, aged in 60% new oak, has a tightly would bouquet with blackberry, cedar and crushed violet scents. It takes a few swirls of the glass to really get into gear. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins, maybe a little chewy compared to its stablemate, Labégorce, with a marine-influenced finish that, as I mentioned out of barrel, feels a little abrupt. NB A second bottle has a little more energy.
The 2021 Malescot St. Exupéry is beautiful—a wine that isn't trying to be too much in this challenging vintage. Floral aromatics and silky tannins give this mid-weight edition of Malescot quite a bit of charm. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Crushed flowers, dark red/purplish fruit, mint, spice and a dash of orange peel linger. This is nicely done.