Originally designated Third Growth status at the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Chateau Malescot St. Exupery borders the prestigious Chateau Margaux and the Second Growth, Chateau Rauzan Segla. Its history is tied to French nobility, as the founder, Maitre Simon Malescot, was once King Louis XIV's advisor. The aristocrat purchased the chateau in 1697, though it would not be until June 1955 that the estate regained its footing under the Zuger family.
The family expanded Malescot from 7 hectares to 28, planting the vineyard primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Since 1995, consulting oenologist Michel Rolland has helped to create lush, soft wines from the esteemed Margaux terroir, working in perfect tandem with head winemaker Jean-Luc Zuger.
Chateau Malescot St. Exupery
Chateau Malescot St. Exupery was first established in 1616 by the Escousses family, though it did not formally open as an estate until 1697, when Maitre Simon Malescot purchased the chateau. Upon acquiring the chateau, Malescot changed the name to reflect his heritage and hired some of the region's greatest winemakers. Chateau Malescot St. Exupery remained in the Malescot name for over a century, until Count Jean-Baptiste St. Exupery took over in 1827. Similar to his predecessor, the chateau's name was changed to reflect the owner's heritage, and Chateau Malescot St. Exupery was officially born.
Under St. Exupery's guidance, the chateau was classified as a Third Growth, becoming Bordeaux's first estate to use gravity during fermentation, a revolution at the time. Unfortunately, Jean-Baptiste lived beyond his means and fell into debt, eventually being forced to sell the prestigious estate. This sale led to multiple ownership changes throughout the ensuing century, forcing Malescot St. Exupery to shrink into a measly 7-hectare estate.
However, in June 1955, the Zuger family acquired the estate, leading the renaissance at the chateau and expanding the land to 28 hectares. By 1995, the family hired star oenologist Michel Rolland, firmly placing Malescot at the top of Margaux's rankings.
Malescot St. Exupery Margaux Terroir
Chateau Malescot St. Exupery borders Chateau Margaux and Chateau Rauzan-Segla, holding 45 hectares of land in the region, with 28 under vine. The vineyard is planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Vines average 35 years and sit at a high density, with 10,000 vines per hectare.
Once the harvest is complete, the fruit is hand-picked and transported in crates to the cellar. Fermentation then takes place in stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts, followed by a 12–14-month aging process in 70-% new French oak, and transferred unfined and unfiltered into the bottle. Around 120,000 bottles are produced each vintage, ensuring Margaux wine enthusiasts receive enough of this incredible elixir.
Malescot St. Exupery 2015 & Other Top Vintages
In recent years, many critics have noted Malescot as a top Margaux wine. Perhaps its greatest vintage under the Zuger family is the 2015, rated 97 points by James Suckling and 95+ points by Antonio Galloni. Each critic celebrated the wine's dark berry notes and soft tannins, claiming the wine holds immense aging potential.
Furthermore, the 2005 Malescot St. Exupery is a contender for the estate's greatest wine, with Robert Parker stating, "This estate’s finest effort - ever, the 2005 Malescot St.-Exupery should be sought out by readers looking for intensity... I would not be surprised to see this wine merit a few more points with additional aging." At less than $140 a bottle from one of Bordeaux's greatest vintages, the 2005 Malescot is a gem that should be on many collectors' radars.
Discover your next bottle of fine Bordeaux wine from our vast selection of Chateau Malescot St. Exupery wines. Shop today.
