Chateau Malescot Saint Exupery 2011

DECANTER: "Charred oak notes are a little dominant on the nose, but this is clearly a wine that's built to last. It takes its time and is confident, powerful and focussed, with good freshness that kicks up its heels on the finish. It will age well from this point, and it's only just starting to soften. Not generous but has walls and floors. Drinking Window 2020 - 2038."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A wine that has a dense core of fruit, with blackberry and licorice character. Full body with velvety tannins and fresh finish. Balance and character are two words that come to mind for this wine. Better in 2018."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "A solid wine in a diffcult vintage, deep in color, with licorice, coffee bean, black cherry, flowers and truffle in the perfume, the wine delivers soft, round textures, and a lush, round, slightly short finish. This should drink quite well on release and have the ability to improve with a few years of bottle age."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A bit woodsy in feel now, with a youthfully raw edge, as singed sandalwood and alder notes liberally frame the core of dark cherry, plum and black currant fruit. This has length and drive, with a smoldering feel echoing. Should be among the top examples of the AOC in 2011 after it settles in fully. Best from 2016 through 2028."

WEINWISSER: "Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Warmes, reifes Beerenbouquet, eine feine, ausladende Süsse zeigend. Samtiger Gaumen, viel Saft in den stoffigen Tanninen, klingt lange nach und ist sehr gut gelungen. Bestätigt das hohe Niveau der letzten Jahre."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, mit feinen Orangenzesten unterlegte dunkle Beerenfrucht, feine Röstaromen, tabakige Nuancen. Mittlere Komplexität, rotbeerige Nuancen, straffe Tannine, etwas Schokolade im Abgang, mineralisch, braucht noch Zeit, Orangen im Nachhall."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "90-92. Barrel sample. This wine feels solid, with its tannins forming a base for the juicy red- and dark-berry flavors. It shows a dry side and a dense finish."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "This small estate (only 130,000 bottles were produced in 2011) has been on a qualitative tear for a number of years. A fragrant perfume of spring flowers, black raspberries, blueberries and cassis is followed by a wine with medium-bodied, juicy flavors, sweet tannin and a broad, generous mouthfeel. A terrific 2011, it should be at its peak in 2-4 years, and last for 15 or more. Bravo!"