critic reviews
The 2021 Malescot St. Exupery has a deep garnet-purple color. It is quite closed to start, unfurling to reveal notes of black and red currants, boysenberries, and tar, followed by wafts of wild sage and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate is lively and chock-full of expressive black and red fruit, with grainy tannins and an earthy finish.
Soft through the mid palate, this majors on raspberry and red cherry fruits, along with lemongrass and underripe plum notes also, struggles to really get going and the acidity is a little high, although the attractive gunsmoke and grilled oak helps round things out. Harvest September 30 to October 20. An enjoyable wine in the vintage from owner Jean-Luc Zuger. Michel Rolland consultant
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. Exupery has turned out nicely in its fleshy, flamboyant style, bursting with aromas of dark berries, cherries and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, with supple tannins and a lively core of fruit, it's a strong effort.