2005 Margaux: Minimal rainfall, drough and cool nighttime temperatures. It helped to preserve the grapes' acidity.
For the Château Malescot-St-Exupéry, which is a 3ème Grand Cru Classé, the merlot was harvested early and the Cabernet Sauvignon was left on the vine until late. The resulting Bordeaux Blend therefor has a rich and deep flavor, with aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry subtly intertwined with a rock-hard minerality. All these fruit aromas are perfectly balanced with the tannins (80% aging in new oak barrels).
It is recommended to decant the wine. It is best enjoyed till 2040.
Robert Parker (96)
A beautiful wine, once again, from this property that has been on a superb qualitative roll for several decades. Dense ruby/purple with notes of graphite, background oak, youthful crème de cassis and blackberry fruit as well as a floral underpinning, it is medium to full-bodied, textured, rich and impressive. Still in a somewhat adolescent stage, it should hit full maturity in another 2-3 years and last at least two decades.
Winespectator (97)
Exhibits blackberry, mineral, currant and dark chocolate. Full and velvety, with lots of fruit and chewy tannins. Long and caressing, with incredibly sweet fruit and tannins on the finish. Goes on for minutes. A thoroughly gorgeous wine.
Jancis Robinson (17)
Mid crimson without great colour concentration. Sweet, creamy nose. Then a pretty chewy cassis palate. Absolutely masses of tannins. This should come right in the end. But it certainly needs time. This may always be a bit chunky and less sophisticated than some but not overworked in any way.
Rene Gabriel (19)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 19/20 points.
Jane Anson (95)
Dark ruby in colour, slight pinking on the edges but still very much in the zone of a young wine visually. Serious stuff, has the core of 2005 in terms of energy and power, and is still young, with dense fruits, a zip of minerality and lift, and remains juicy on the finish. Liqourice, cigar box, raspberry, white pepper and sage spice. This is a great example of the vintage, and at a great moment to drink but going absolutely nowhere. A special occasion wine. 80% new oak.
