CHÂTEAU MALESCOT SAINT EXUPÉRY

49 Cabernet Sauvignon, 38 Merlot, 8 Cabernet Franc, 5 Petit Verdot | 60% new oak | 13% alc The oak is dominant and spicy, and the tannins seem pretty raw, but there is a mass of fruit in this wine’s core, so they have done something right in the vineyard. It will fall into line early in its life and provide rather exciting, hectic flavours, and then I expect it to run out of gas, or rather balance! But there is good fun and some genuine flair here, so dive in for early drinking if the price is right. Rating: 16.5 Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2022)

Attractive smoky oak, well handled grilled smoke aromatics. This is rich but harmonious and balanced and goes long on the Margaux floral aromatics. Soft on the finish but lots to enjoy. Harvest September 30 to October 20. An enjoyable wine in the vintage from owner Jean-Luc Zuger. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 90 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2022)

The 2021 Malescot Saint Exupéry has quite a high-toned bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and violet aromas, exuberant compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity, quite focused yet there is just a little dryness and abruptness on the finish. That might be remedied during its élevage so let's see how this turns out. I was anticipating a bit more from this excellent Margaux estate, but maybe it will meliorate in barrel? Not beyond possibility. Drinking range: 2028 - 2052 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2022)

The 2021 Malescot St. Exupery is a terrific effort, offering up aromas of sweet cassis and plums mingled with notions of licorice, espresso roast and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's impressively layered, with a sweet core of fruit, ripe tannins and lively acids. The dramatic style of the château has worked very well with the cooler, later-maturing vintage. The blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (May 2022)

The 2021 Malescot St. Exupéry is another terrific wine from a property that has been trending towards finesse. The 2021 represents another step in that direction, helped by the vintage, of course. Red cherry, iron, blood orange, spice, tobacco and cedar build as this mid-weight, savory Margaux shows off its considerable charms. Pretty floral top notes accent the finish. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2028 - 2046 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2022)