An unfurling of pure red fruits and violets seduce on the nose. Sleek, fine-grained tannins continue the beautiful red fruit, currant, and cherry notes, accented with a subtle ferrous tone. This is Malescots second wine La Dame de Malescot, and the chateau is at pains to suggest to you that it is the exact same fruit, quality of fruit, exact same winemaking team, and wine as their Grand Vin however, it is a selection of barrels that are more open and expressive earlier. Does it lack the regal expression of the Gran Vin? Perhaps, but this also makes it drink beautifully right now, perhaps even more unhesitatingly than the famed Chateau Margaux. The finish sings with fruit and still holds it structure, suggesting to me that its in prime formg right now but will certainly hold longer.

Call it a sleeper of the vintage, call it in the shadows, or perhaps consider Malescot a hidden gem. Whatever the case, I believe the 2014 vintage of Malescot matches the quality of the First Growths and at its price (especially compared to First Growths!), it cant be beat.