Chateau Malescot St. Exupery Margaux AOC 2013 (750ml)

Country/Region: Bordeaux, France

Background:
Château Malescot St. Exupéry 2013 is a 3rd Growth (Troisième Grand Cru Classé) Bordeaux from the Margaux appellation. It is a Left Bank Bordeaux blend (predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) from a third-growth estate. Acquired by the Zuger family in 1955, the estate produces wines characterized by elegance, smooth tannins, and a classic Margaux floral bouquet.

Winemaking:
Grapes are hand-harvested and strictly sorted to ensure only optimal fruit is used, which was crucial for maintaining quality in the challenging, cooler 2013 vintage. The wine is aged for 14 to 16 months in high-quality French oak barrels, typically using 80% to 100% new oak to impart structural integrity and complex spice notes.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot

Tasting note:
The Malescot St. Exupery has a has a perfumed bouquet with ripe floral cranberry and redcurrant fruit that is nicely defined, the Cabernet lending a pleasant cedar-infused aroma. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, well judged acidity and a light but focused finish that is at least fresh and precise.

Food Pairing:
Decant this wine for about 30 to 45 minutes before serving to let the delicate cedar and red fruit notes open up. Best paired with steaks, barbeque fare and full-flavoured cheeses.

Scores:
Robert Parker: 91/100
James Suckling: 91/100
Wine Spectator: 90/100

Award:
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