Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry 2023

This has a very deep and beautiful palate with cherries, chocolate, hazelnut and orange peel. Pretty blackcurrants and blue berries, too. Medium body. The finish has gorgeous al-dente fruit at the end and is always subtle. Open tannins. A blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, and 5% petit verdot.

58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Fine and precise, Malescot's bouquet reveals inviting notes of liquorice and graphite, followed by hints of cherries and black berries. With aeration, I also detected some floral nuances. The attack is of medium density, with creamy, fine-grained tannins. They gradually open up on the palate, while the acidity is both structuring and incisive. A sapid, fine and persistent Malescot St. Exupéry, with a finely bitterish finish. A great success. 2028-2048.

One of the most suave, classy vintages from this estate in some years, the 2023 Malescot St. Exupery is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, berries, licorice and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with good depth at the core, supple tannins and a harmonious, integrated profile. Part of the blend is maturing in foudre. William Kelley