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Chateau’s Malescot St.-Exupery’s name is steeped in impressive lore, but it only links to part of its fascinating story. The winery derives its moniker from two former owners: Simon Malescot, who bought the estate in 1697; and Count Jean Baptiste de Saint-Exupery, who claimed property ownership from 1827 to 1853. The vineyard and winery were recognized in the famous 1855 classification as a Third Growth. The most important names associated with the winery are Paul and Roger Zuger, the father-son tandem that rescued the property from a state of disrepair in 1955 and ushered in an exciting viticultural rebirth.

Today, this renewal of excellence continues to flourish strongly under Roger’s son, winemaker Jean-Luc Zuger, whose impressive skills and passion for the viticultural process results in wines that constantly nab high 90+pt wine scores from critical luminaries like Robert Parker. Jean-Luc propels the Chateau’s ongoing renaissance through this exquisite red blend by sourcing grapes from Margaux, an appellation where the exceptional fruit defines the overarching Bordeaux region. Its famously gravelly, well-draining soil forces its vines to dig deeper than usual for nutrients. This struggle produces sharply concentrated grapes that practically pop with a level of complex depth that even exceeds the world’s perception of what an exemplary Bordeaux should be.

Named #36 in James Suckling’s Top 100 French Wines of 2025, this Margaux isn’t just critically acclaimed—it’s a lightning rod for collectors.

The sentiment behind Chateau Malescot St. Exupery’s motto “ever higher” has guided this winery on a remarkable journey; one that’s taken them from the brink of irrelevancy to a critical darling of Robert Parker. The journey marches forward with confident strides with this brilliant limited-production Bordeaux blend. Winemaker Jean-Luc Zuger takes full advantage of Margaux’s legendarily well-draining soils, sourcing an exceptional mélange of Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals to produce a magnificent selection. The full-bodied opulence and unbridled exuberance instantly remind us why Bordeaux wines matter so much to the wine world. 

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 95 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A new paradigm for Bordeaux. Very aromatic and sleek, fresh and pure in feel, with all major varietals performing well; far more consistent than the 2018-2020 trio."

Notes of black raspberry, flowers, and creme de cassis are subdued by gentle notes of forest floor and a suggestion of charcoal. Its sexy, voluptuous weight enthusiastically hugs the palate with just enough restraint to allow for a level of gentle sweetness. Supple tannins lead the journey to a long, satisfying finish. 

~ #36 Top 100 French Wines of 2025 by James Suckling

Deep dark ruby in colour with an opaque core, purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nose, fine nuances of crystallised violets, invitingly fruity with black cherry, hints of cassis and liquorice and hints of nougat. The palate is juicy and complex, with silky tannins, fresh acidity, mineral and persistent with refreshing berry fruit and a fine core sweetness. Harmonious and fine with an immensely attractive finish, the wine has great ageing potential. ~98 Falstaff

Plenty of blackcurrant and blueberry character here with cedar and sandalwood undertones that give such interest. Medium- to full-bodied, this has integrated tannins and a long and linear finish. Racy at the end. Classy. Give this three or four years to slightly soften, but it’s already a joy to taste. Drink after 2029. ~97 James Suckling

Spicy red and black currants, leafy tobacco, spicy wood, loamy earth, and some sappy floral notes emerge from the 2022 Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, an incredibly complex, pure, elegant 2022 that has polished tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, drink this incredibly impressive, satisfying Margaux over the coming two decades. ~96 Jeb Dunnuck

Full, direct and engaging, it displays a decidedly captivating sensory profile. Notes of black cherries, black plums and wild myrtle blend with intriguing medicinal nuances. Full body, perfectly extracted tannins, surprising amount of matter and an engaging finish. Better from 2028. ~96 WinesCritic.com

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