Château Malescasse 2023

Open, with red and dark berries, a hint of cola and herbal spice; a slender palate, ripe tannins, the fruit is somewhat austere, yet with good aromatic length. Should be enjoyable early.

Mint, currants, tobacco, and strawberries from the core here. The wine is medium-bodied, chewy, and vibrant. This is one of those top value Left Bank wines with character that sell for a song. Drink from 2027-2036.

Deep ruby, purple reflections, broad brightening at the rim. Restrained, a hint of figs, delicate floral nuances, some hibiscus. Medium complexity, red cherries, fresh structure, mineral, offers uncomplicated drinking pleasure.

Delicate bouquet of red and blue berries, freshly picked blackcurrant, lilac and light tobacco. On the compact palate, a somewhat austere texture, sandy extract, underlying verve and a slightly rough-and-ready body. The focused, finely aromatic finish shows cranberry juice, tarragon and a floury astringency. Rounded off.

Soft autumnal fruits, blackberry and crushed raspberry, balanced by grilled campfire smoke. There’s a dip through the mid-palate, but it remains enjoyable and there’s no need to wait too long. Philippe Austrey, owner; Bertrand Chemin, winemaker. Aged with 40% new oak, using a range of 500L, 300L and 225L barrels. Single-point upscore.

Score: 89–91. A very delicate, highly floral nose (rose, wisteria, iris) with elegance and finesse. The palate retains this suavity with a velvety texture, a line of great freshness, and a delicately mentholated finish.

At the junction of the Margaux and Saint-Julien terroirs, the wine of château Malescasse is undeniably seductive. Despite the climatic challenges of 2023, it continues its course among the great wines of Bordeaux. Its style is all about finesse, with a gentle, ample attack and a silky texture. Its radiant, complex bouquet unfolds with notes of country bread, blueberry jam, hyacinth and other spring flowers. It is a pleasure to enjoy now, and it clearly has a bright future ahead.

Juicy with excellent texture. Tannins are filling but so well integrated they edge the mouth rather than dominate it with a cooling, minty blueberry aspect too. Excellently made, nuanced and layered and already approachable. Really well done. Seamless, textured and mineral. Classic.

Notes of raspberries, spices and dark wild berries, accented by a hint of menthol, introduce the 2023 Malescasse. Moderately weighted, juicy and taut, it is framed by powdery tannins and concludes with a long, somewhat firm finish marked by nuances of lead pencil.