Château Malescasse
AOC Haut Médoc
Sitting in a direct line with Margaux to the south and Saint-Julien to the north, Lamarque stands at the highest point of the Médoc, some 30 meters above sea level.
The 40 hectares of vineyards of the Château Malescasse sit on the crest of these famous gravelly croups, a traditional Médoc term referring to softly rolling hills formed by large expanses of alluvial sediments deposited by the Garonne during the Quaternary Period. Today, Château Malescasse is one of the domains which set the standard for Haut-Médoc and received the label Exceptional of the Cru Bourgeois ranking.
Situation
Consists of a single estate of 40 hectares
Grape varieties
Merlot 45%, Cabernet sauvignon 45%, Cabernet franc 6% et Petit verdot 4%
Soil
Composed of varying proportions of sand, gravel and clay in layers of varying depth, they cover the limestone bedrock and hold the key to the great wines of the left bank.
Ageing
14 months in oak with 35% of new barrels
Available Vintages
Alcohol
13°
Blending
48% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 6% Cabernet-Franc and 3% Petit Verdot
Description
With its intense garnet color and ruby overtones, the 2008 seduces straight away with a powerful nose which develops rich aromas of mocha, cocoa beans and truffles followed by ripe red and black berries. The round attack reveals flavors of ripe fruits, spices and torrefaction within a well-constructed and balanced whole, with fine, smooth tannins.
Tasting
“Medium bodied, light in style, with a forward dark cherry character for early drinking” – The Wine Cellar Insider
Alcohol
13.5°
Blending
44% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 3% Cabernet-Franc and 6% Petit Verdot
Description
Garnet in color with a hint of amber, the 2009 has a nose of great aromatic complexity: Well-ripened red and black fruits blend harmoniously with aromas of cocoa beans, truffle and liquorice. The deep, flavorful palate floats on a swirl of soft, dense, rounded tannins. Full-bodied, smooth, generous and with great length, it will retain its ability to please for several years.
Tasting
“This rich wine is approaching maturity. Secondary animal aromas, dried fruit and richness are showing well, allowing this ripe wine to shine. The warm 2009 vintage comes out in the density and the dusty tannins. This is ready to drink.” – ROGER VOSS (Wine Enthousiast)
Alcohol
13°
Blending
41% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 48% Merlot and 11% Petit Verdot
Description
Clear garnet in color with ruby overtones, the 2012 offers a nose of red and black fruits, with spicy aromas which evolve into elegant balsamic notes. A frank, rounded attack on the palate gives way to an elegant, flavorful wine with nicely softened tannins. The flavors of fruits of the forest develop into fine smoky notes, with good length.
Tasting
« The revival on all fronts for this superb full and dense Malescasse, with superb fruit, beautiful substance, the tannins are still a little rustic, but you have to go back very far to find a wine of this level». – Figaro Vin
