Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry — Margaux, Third Classified Grand Cru 1855

Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry is a historic estate located at the heart of the Margaux appellation. Classified as a Third Growth in 1855, the château has been owned by the Zuger family since 1955 and is run today by Jean-Luc Zuger. The estate exemplifies the refined balance of Cabernet Sauvignon in Margaux: deep structure, floral charm, and vibrant elegance.

Terroir & Grape Varieties

The 30-hectare vineyard rests on deep gravel soils, laid over a clay-limestone subsoil with occasional ferruginous layers. This typical Margaux terroir ensures:

• Optimal natural drainage
• Slow, even ripening
• A subtle balance of finesse and structure

The vineyard is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), supported by Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (5%). The average vine age of 30–35 years contributes to the wine’s complexity, floral profile, and marked minerality.

Viticulture & Winemaking

The estate practices sustainable, parcel-by-parcel viticulture, with tailored cover crops, precise canopy management, and hand-harvesting with double sorting. Vinification is carried out in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless steel vats, with selective use of indigenous yeasts.

The wines undergo no fining or filtration to preserve their natural purity. They are then aged for 14 to 16 months in French oak barrels (80 to 100% new oak depending on the vintage), which enhances texture and aromatic depth.

Style & Signature Wines

Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry: deep, brilliant colour, with expressive aromas of ripe black fruits, violet, liquorice, sweet spices, and blond tobacco. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, silky, mineral-driven, and persistent. Cellaring potential: 15 to 25 years, even longer for top vintages.

La Dame de Malescot: the estate’s second wine, more supple and charming, drinkable from 5 to 7 years of age.

Key Facts

• Vineyard area: 30 ha
• Annual production: ~120,000 bottles
• Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
• Top vintages: 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000, 1961, 1959