2020 Chateau Malescasse Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Haut Medoc

• "A Class Act" ~97 Decanter
• 97 Point "Very High Quality" Vintage ~Vinous
• "An Absolute Delight to Taste. This Is Elegance Personified" ~ VM
• Stéphane Derenoncourt is Wine Consultant
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

In the charming village of Lamarque, Chateau Malescasse shines as a standout in the Haut-Médoc. Nestled between Margaux and Saint-Julien, its vineyards flourish in the renowned gravelly soils of the region. What sets Chateau Malescasse apart is its unwavering dedication to Cabernet Sauvignon, a rarity among its clay-dominated counterparts.

Recognized by the esteemed Cru Bourgeois Appellation, Chateau Malescasse proudly stands among the elite few, with only 14 out of the 300 châteaux holding the prestigious "Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel" distinction.

Recognized as an AOC since 1935, the Médoc peninsula, home to many grands crus classés and crus bourgeois, bears witness to the rich tapestry of Bordeaux's winemaking heritage. Château Malescasse, awarded "Vignoble & Découverte," stands as a beacon on the Medocan Wine Route.

Elevated to the status of Cru Bourgeois exceptionnel in 2020, Château Malescasse embarked on a journey of restoration, driven by Vignobles Austruy's relentless pursuit of perfection.

"Cru Bourgeois exceptionnel" is a prestigious label in Bordeaux, signaling exceptional quality among specific châteaux. It highlights estates that consistently craft outstanding wines, meeting strict standards set by the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc. This designation signifies a dedication to excellence, marking the highest level of achievement within the Cru Bourgeois classification and reflecting the superb quality of wines produced by these select châteaux.

Since the early 19th century, Château Malescasse wines have graced the records of wine brokers, celebrated for their consistent quality and expression of the region's fine gravel terroir.

Philippe Austruy, renowned in the healthcare sector, turned his attention to wine, breathing new life into the estate. Under his stewardship, the vineyards were revitalized, and the manor house restored to its former glory.

Alban Cacaret, nephew of Philippe Austruy, brings a decade of expertise to the estate, ensuring every aspect of its operation is handled with precision. Bertrand, born in Normandy but now an adopted son of Médoc, channels his dedication into crafting exceptional wines.

Nicolas Dubedout, with experience garnered from Chasse-Spleen and Château Latour, adds finesse to every vintage since joining in 2014. And overseeing the Domaine is Rockstar Stéphane Derenoncourt.

Together, they form a team dedicated to preserving the legacy of Château Malescasse, crafting wines that epitomize the harmonious balance and brilliance of Bordeaux's Haut-Médoc region.

2020 was a great year for Bordeaux. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 97-point review and said, "Two thousand-twenty is an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is very, very high."

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrel (33% new)

Tasting Notes

53% Merlot, 38% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot. Purple-garnet in colour, it displays an intense nose of elderberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, myrtle and fresh raspberries against a background of light, mellow woodiness. The dense palate immediately reveals good volume, followed by a dense framework of fresh, mature tannins. Flavorsome, meaty, full-bodied and powerful, it develops robustly towards a finish which highlights the fullness of the fruit. Magnificent!

Critical Reviews

Alluring sweet cassis, plum and blackcurrant aromas with a mellow texture and poised tannins beautifully bonded to refined currant and cedar fruit core. The subtle use of oak sits elegantly on the lingering finish. A class act. ~97 Decanter

Solid cherries, gravel and some blue fruit with orange zest and iron. A sleek, medium- to full-bodied Haut-Medoc laden with crumbled, fine tannins. Well-balanced and structured. Drink or hold. ~92 James Suckling

The 2020 Malescasse is a gorgeous, wonderfully expressive Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics open first, with plenty of floral and savory accents that lift from the glass. Pliant and caressing on the palate, with mid-weight structure, the 2020 is an absolute delight to taste. This is elegance personified. ~92 Vinous Media

Coming from the northern part of the Médoc and 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, raised in 40% new barrels, the 2020 Château Malescasse offers a terrific bouquet of cassis, spicy oak, chocolate, and leafy herbs. This carries to a medium-bodied Haut- Médoc with ripe tannins, solid mid-palate depth, and a great finish. ~91 Jeb Dunnuck

Bright and fruity, this wine comes from the heart of the Haut-Médoc. It offers ripe black fruits and some firm tannins. Drink the wine from 2026. ~91 Wine Enthusiast

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