The 2008 Malescot St Exupery has a conservative, correct bouquet that to be frank is rather unexciting compared to its peers, although it does open and reveal briary and crushed rose petal scents and bingo, you are soon under its spell. The palate is medium-bodied with “furry” tannins, good depth of fruit and it has a fine line of acidity. I like the spine of this Margaux and the classicism shown towards the bright finish. It is one of those wines that meliorates with acquaintance, approaching previous scores that I have awarded this wine. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting.

An amazing success in this vintage, the dark ruby/purple-hued 2008 reveals its noble terroir in its complex aromatics of spring flowers and burning embers/charcoal. A medium to full-bodied mouthfeel displaying no hard edges and a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood result in an approachable, already evolved wine that can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years.