The 2011 Malescot-St-Exupery is a Bordeaux blend from the Margaux sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Malescot-St-Exupery, is noted for its balanced structure and complex flavor profile. The wine comprises 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. It is aged in 100% new oak and has an alcohol content of 14.0%.
The 2011 vintage has received positive reviews from several professional critics. Alex Lallos of JJ Buckley awarded it 93 points, praising its "cool red fruit, menthol, underbrush, and tobacco" aromas. Lallos also noted that it has "good acidity and backbone" and described it as a "classic style" that is "soft enough to drink upon release and over the following 20 years."
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss gave the wine a score of 92 points. He described it as "solid, with its tannins forming a base for the juicy red- and dark-berry flavors." Voss added that the wine has a "dry side and a dense finish."
Neal Martin's Wine Journal scored the wine 91 points, highlighting its "perfumed bouquet with dark plum, raspberry, and wild strawberry fruit" and "good weight on the entry with plump mulberry fruit laced with spice." Martin remarked that the wine is a "good effort in a difficult vintage" and noted that "the oak is well integrated towards the finish."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave the wine 90 points. Robert M. Parker, Jr. described it as having a "fragrant perfume of spring flowers, black raspberries, blueberries, and cassis," along with "medium-bodied, juicy flavors, sweet tannin, and a broad, generous mouthfeel." Parker predicted that the wine "should be at its peak in 2-4 years, and last for 15 or more."
James Suckling rated the wine 92 points, noting its "dense core of fruit, with blackberry and licorice character" and "velvety tannins and fresh finish." Suckling highlighted its "balance and character," suggesting it will be better in 2018.
Wine Spectator's JM gave it 92 points, describing it as "woodsy in feel now, with a youthfully raw edge" and a "core of dark cherry, plum, and black currant fruit." JM predicted it would be "among the top examples of the AOC in 2011 after it settles in fully."
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com rated it 92 points, noting its "licorice, coffee bean, black cherry, flowers, and truffle" aromas. Leve described the texture as "soft, round" with a "slightly short finish."
Lastly, Vinous' Neal Martin awarded it 90 points, mentioning its "mixture of red and black fruit, undergrowth, tobacco, and graphite" on the nose and its "fleshy tannins, fine acidity" on the palate.
Overall, the 2011 Malescot-St-Exupery is highly regarded for its balance, complexity, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy choice for Bordeaux enthusiasts.