Historically, I believe 1989 will be the vintage that marks the turn-around in quality for Malescot St.-Exupery. The 1989 is overshadowed by the 1990, as well as by the vintages of the mid-nineties, but it is a very good example, and far superior to much of what was produced during the sixties, seventies, and eighties. The color is a dark ruby. The bouquet reveals scents of roasted herbs, sweet black berry and red currant fruit, earth, and spice. The wine possesses moderately high tannin and some austerity, but a sweetness in the mid-palate that comes from ripe fruit and attractive levels of glycerin. This is an elegant, soft Malescot St.-Exupery that can already be drunk. Anticipated maturity: Now-2007. Last tasted 3/97