Description
Yves Beck 95-96 points www.yvesbeck.wine
58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
Fin et précis, le bouquet de Malescot révèle d’invitantes notes de réglisse et de graphite suivies d’effluves de cerises et de baies noires. A l’aération, je relève également quelques nuances florales. De densité médiane en attaque, le vin dispose de tannins crémeux et aux grains fins. Ils offrent de la largeur, de manière progressive, le long du palais tandis que l’acidité est autant structurante qu’incisive. Un Malescot St. Exupéry sapide, fin et persistant dont la finale est étirée par de fins amers. Très belle réussite. 2028-2048
Neal Martin 92-94 points www.vinous.com
The 2023 Malescot Saint Exupéry was cropped at 38hL/ha, picked a day later than the previous year. Lea Zuger told me that they now use six foudres installed in November, meaning there is 60% new oak—less than other vintages. Barrel-maturation will be 14 to 16 months. Whereas in 2022, nearly all the estate’s fruit went into the Grand Vin, this year it represents 75% of the volume. Displaying blackberry and briar on the nose, this demands some coaxing from the glass. There’s just a light, confit-like aroma in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine structure, slightly powdery tannins, modest weight and noticeably fresh acidity and salinity, the latter especially prominent toward the finish. More classically hewn compared to the 2022, this will require five or six years in bottle. Classy
William Kelley 93-95 points www.erobertparker.com
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.