2006 Malescot-St-Exupéry, Margaux

Complex aromas of truffle, blackberry and flowers follow through to a full body, with supersilky tannins and a long, polished, caressing finish. Superrefined and pretty. (JS)

Tasted at the property as part of a vertical tasting, the 2006 Château Malescot St Exupery is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, picked between 25 September and 12 October. It has a detailed, quite mineral-driven bouquet with blood orange scents infusing the red berry fruit, the oak neatly integrated. The palate is well balanced with edgy red berry fruit on the entry, a stoniness underneath, a Margaux of the earth not the air. Correct and linear, with good depth and ample freshness, it actually reminds me of Brane Cantenac in style and the salinity on the finish is just wonderful. Returning after 30 minutes, you notice the acidity coming through more and more, though it is in sync with the fruit. (NM)