Wines Margaux Château Malescot Saint Exupery - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Malescot Saint Exupéry 2020 is a grand cru from the prestigious Margaux appellation, situated in the heart of the Médoc in Bordeaux. This wine is predominantly crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2020 vintage, marked by a relatively warm growing season with timely rainfall, has resulted in wines of remarkable ripeness, structure, and precision. Vinification at Château Malescot Saint Exupéry involves traditional methods: fermentation in stainless steel vats, followed by ageing in French oak barrels (a significant proportion new), which imparts subtle spiciness and depth to this refined blend. The wine is renowned for its enticing aromas of cassis, violets, and finely integrated oak, leading to a palate that is simultaneously concentrated, elegant and vibrant, with polished tannins and a long, graceful finish.

The Margaux appellation, often described as the epitome of elegance within the Médoc, benefits from a temperate maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Gironde estuary, which moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frost. Soils here are distinctive, with deep gravel providing excellent drainage and encouraging the vines to develop deep root systems. This terroir lends itself to the creation of wines with aromatic finesse and silky textures, hallmarks of Margaux, which can be attributed to centuries of winemaking tradition and a relentless pursuit of quality.

For food pairing, Château Malescot Saint Exupéry 2020 shines alongside classic French cuisine. Roast lamb with rosemary, fillet of beef with a red wine jus, or duck breast with a blackcurrant sauce are wonderfully suited to this wine’s balance of fruit and structure. Regionally, dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or confit de canard bring out the subtle savoury notes. Mature hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda provide an excellent counterpart to its tannin profile.

To best appreciate this vintage, decant the wine for an hour before serving to allow the bouquet to open fully. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C; this will highlight the wine’s expressive aromatics and textural finesse. Enjoy now for its freshness or cellar for several years to witness its full potential unfold.