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Château Margaux is situated in Haut-Médoc on the right side of the so-called "Route de Vin." When you're about to leave Margaux village, you have to walk about 1 km to reach the cellars of the property. Vines grow on soil, with the upper gravelly layer containing quartz and silica stones and a subsoil consisting of a fine gravel grade mixed with clay and sand. Grape varieties used are Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (25%), and Cabernet Franc + Petit Verdot (5%). Vines are, on average, 35 years old, and vinification is carried out in wooden vats. The wine matures for 18-24 months in 100 % new oak.

Chateau Margaux offers wine lovers a wonderful mixture of race, elegance, and finesse, adding one of Bordeaux's most captivating bouquets. It is like seeing a ballet dancer make pirouettes with grace and style. This property has light subsoil, bringing finesse and a refined impression to Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes with backbone, depth, and body. It also offers remarkable structure, nuance, richness, and stunning length. A true Queen of Bordeaux!  

Sadly, the true gentleman and sophisticated winemaker, Paul Pontallier, who had managed Chateau Margaux since 1988, passed unexpectedly away at the end of March 2016, just before the primeur tastings of the 2015 vintage.

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Subdued light, great atmosphere, and late Paul Pontallier pouring vintages 2010, 2009, and 2008  in September 2011

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 2018 31

Two important people now at Chateau Margaux - general director Philippe Bascaules (right) and property manager Sébastien Vergne (left) - October 2017

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2023 Ch. Margaux (barrel sample) 99p

Tasted in April 2024. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. 13% alcohol. Only 41% of the harvest went into Grand Vin. It is a valid candidate to be the wine of the vintage! It is an immensely sophisticated, elegant wine full of grace and finesse, with fabulous complexity and mid-palate. The aftertaste lasts more than one minute. This wine will surely give the 2022 version a run for its money!!

2022 Ch. Margaux (barrel sample) 98-100p 

Tasted in April 2023. 92% C. Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% C. Franc. No P. Verdot in the blend this time. 13.1% alcohol. C. Sauvignon berries in 2022 were 35% smaller than in an average year. Only 40 % of the harvest went into Grand Vin. Plenty of concentrated blackcurrants and a strong aroma of tobacco leaves, graphite, and violets exist. The wine was precise, focused, and vibrant, with exceptional complexity, great elegance, and a sophisticated touch. Monumental finish. A giant moving like a ballerina! 

2021 Ch. Margaux (barrel sample) 97-98p

Tasted in April 2022. 87% C. Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% C. Franc and 2% P. Verdot. 13.1% alcohol. Only 36 % of the harvest went into Grand Vin. Philippe Bascaules, Margaux's technical director, told me that in the 2021 vintage, acidity and tannin felt more intense than the stunning trio of recent vintages. There is nothing to complain about because this property made one of the best wines in 2021! It was very flowery with violets and peonies and displayed the aroma of tobacco leaves, graphite, and the scent of black winter truffle. Precise, focused, vibrant, with great complexity and elegance, sophisticated. Long and persistent finish.

2020 Ch. Margaux (barrel sample) 99-100p

Tasted twice - last time in November 2021. Consistent notes. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. 14% alcohol. Only 36% of the harvest went into Grand Vin. I was incredibly impressed with the pure elegance, finesse, extraordinary length, and astonishing richness and complexity. Classy aristocrat, no less. Amazing stuff.

2019 Ch. Margaux (barrel sample) 99-100p

Tasted in June 2020. Only 37% of the whole production went into Grand Vin. There was 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, and 13.9% alcohol. Ch. Margaux's technical director, Philippe Bascaules, told me via ZOOM interview that Merlot needed to be vinified gently due to its voluptuousness and high alcohol consumption. He compared the 2018 and 2019 Grand Vin - "when I taste 2018 Ch. Margaux, I taste the 2018 vintage first, then Ch. Margaux. When I taste 2019 Ch. Margaux, it's Ch. Margaux first, then 2019 vintage!"

It showcases Cabernet Sauvignon with beautiful aromas of cigar box and tobacco leaves. It is exquisite, multifaceted, sophisticated, and stylish for the property. It has exceptional complexity and purity. It is liquid silk. True perfection is here! 

2018 Ch. Margaux  99-100p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2021. Consistent notes. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. 14% alcohol. Now in the bottle and as stunning as from the barrel. I was significantly impressed with an incredibly scented nose, a sophisticated and refined touch, astonishing complexity, and length. Simply a proper "iron fist in the velvet glove"! Amazing stuff

2017 Ch. Margaux (barrel sample) 97p

I tasted it twice, last in April 2018. Consistent notes. bernet Franc, + 1% Petit Verdot.This wine was sophisticated and pure, elegant with finesse, precise and rich. It's a bit less intense and concentrated than in 2016, but still, it's spectacular quality. 

2016 Ch. Margaux 98p

Tasted three times - last time in November 2021. Consistent notes. It didn't reach the heights of otherworldly 2015 but still had a genuine spark of blue/blackberries, a seamless structure, and a sophisticated touch. Pure elegance and finesse are here! This was in October 2017. When tasted at the property from the bottle in November 2021, it was even better and yet another classic for the property with mind-boggling purity, sheer elegance, and flowing midpalate. Liquid silk. A tender aftertaste that didn't want to go away! 

2015 Ch. Margaux100p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. Grand Vin is 38% of the total crop and a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. All in silk, epic wine. Exceptional concentration, richness, complexity, super-strong backbone, elegant and sophisticated, perfectly balanced, incredibly aromatic, and extraordinary finish. For sure, this is a wine of the 2015 vintage in red. A great, great testimony/hommage to Paul Pontallier!

2014 Ch. Margaux 96p

Tasted three times - last time in April 2018. Consistent notes. There is a lot of freshness, strong, oaky, splendid depth, peppery on the palate, and long aftertaste. More masculine wine from this property thanks to perfectly ripe Cabernet Sauvignon.

2013 Ch. Margaux(barrel sample) 93p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. This wine is 100% C.Sauvignon and was lighter than usual with smooth, silky tannin, soft fruit, and polished texture. Usually, Grand Vin contains Merlot, but the winemaking staff valued the Merlot parcel as not having quality worth including in Grand Vin. Instead, it went into Pavillon Rouge. So my rating is more based on reputation than appearance because Margaux put weight on the bottle.

2012 Ch. Margaux 95-96p

Tasted three times - last time in May 2018. Consistent notes. 87% C.Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% C.Franc and 1% P.Verdot. This wine had very aromatic and intense black cherries on the nose, was lush and seductive on the palate, had a refined, velvety texture, was rich, and had a long finish from a barrel. In November 2015, this wine was even better, irresistible with chocolate, cocoa, a fabulous nose, and a classy and silky texture. In the top two of 1. Growths in this vintage. I had the same impression in May 2018 as in November 2015. Irresistible!

2011 Ch. Margaux (barrel sample) 95-96p

Tasted in April 2012. This wine offered elegance, finesse, and refinement to a very high degree, velvety black cherry fruit and fat tannin, and a long, caressing finish. Once again, it is the essence of class and style.

2010 Ch. Margaux(barrel sample) 98-100p

I tasted it twice, the last time in September 2011. Consistent notes. It has great elegance and class, stunning depth and structure, velvety, sweet cherries, excellent balance, great depth, and an extremely long and lingering aftertaste. It's heavenly stuff.

2009 Ch. Margaux 100p

Tasted three times - last time in January 2017. Consistent notes. What a jaw-dropping wine! My friend told me this wine stole his heart, but it took mine, too. Great, penetrating, and intense nose of black cherries and grated Valrhona chocolate. Paul Pontalier said that the nose of this wine reminded him of 1953 Margaux, and I couldn't agree more! I did taste this wine in 1990, and its fragrance was sensational. Back to 2009: remarkable distinction, seamless, sophisticated, extremely long with many layers and a lingering velvety aftertaste. Flamboyant and breathless wine. Five and a half years later, since the last tasting of this wine in January 2017, it is still a real paradise/eternal flame. Possibly the best 1.Growth in this vintage.

2008 Ch. Margaux 97p

Tasted three times - last time in September 2011. Consistent notes. I owned a few bottles of this wine and was curious to see how it fared. It started with great scents of cherries, freshness, seamless structure, and great minerality. It is not as flashy as in 2009, but it is still a stylish, classy wine with a great personality. Wonderfully balanced and with excellent acidity. After tasting it, I've every reason to jump with joy, having purchased this wine primeur at 1/5 of the price of 2009 vintage or 1/7 of the cost of the 2010 vintage.

2007 Ch. Margaux92p

I tasted it four times, the last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. This wine was as pretty and light on feet as a slim and young ballerina. It had beautiful aromas of violets and roses, enchanting elegance, and finesse. It was seductive like h... and still improving. At least 15 more years are needed to cellar this wine.

2006 Ch. Margaux  98p

I tasted it four times, the last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. It impressed me with the high intensity of flavors, power, refinement, and sophisticated touch. It's a great, great classic wine for the property. Paul Pontalier adored this vintage. This wine is a long-term runner. There will be significant fireworks in 20-30 years.

2005 Ch. Margaux 99p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2015. Consistent notes. This wine was like an eternal flame, pure poetry radiating and shining. This vintage at Château Margaux has incredible charisma, style, elegance, depth, and length. Seamless winemaking - but what could be done wrong with so extravagantly ripe and rich grapes Mother Nature provided Bordeaux within 2005?!! Angels sing and sing and sing and .... for the next 30-50 years. It was closed in October 2015.

2004 Ch. Margaux  95p

Tasted three times - last time in July 2024. Consistent notes. 78% C.Sauvignon + 18% Merlot + 2% P.Verdot/C.Franc. This wine has become another classic - perfectly ripe fruit, stunning richness, exquisite finesse, fleshy and long. Wonderful stuff. 1/3 or more of the price for 2005 and 2006. 20-25 years horizontally in the cellar. It has kept well since tasting it in October 2008!

2002 Ch. Margaux 93p

I tasted it twice, the last time in October 2008. This wine was served during harvest lunch at Château Margaux. It was a terrific effort for the vintage, with well-known elegance and finesse, a round, feminine, pure style, and excellent intensity. It has been delightful already, but I can keep it for 10-15 more years.

2001 Ch. Margaux 99-100p

Tasted in November 2021. It was a glorious experience to taste such a beautiful wine! It had a perfectly aromatic nose of ripe blackcurrants and black cherries with black truffle, a palate covered by lush berries and grained tannin, seamless structure, liquid cashmere, a stunning midpalate, complexity, and finish. I'm thrilled to have a couple of bottles of this beauty in my cellar!

1996 Ch. Margaux  98p

Tasted in May 2018. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 100% new oak. An iron fist in the velvet glove. Tobacco leaves and grilled bacon. Remarkable intensity, richness, complexity, and length. Creamy and long aftertaste. Awesome effort!

1995 Ch. Margaux 93p

Tasted in May 2018. Dense aroma of strawberries, fine acidity, length, depth, and structure. This vintage had mixed results on Left Bank, and Margaux reflects that as an excellent wine but not up to the 1996 vintage.

1986 Ch. Margaux  97-98p

Tasted in April 1989. Black-red color. Cabernet Sauvignon is fully blossoming here; this wine is dense, strong, intense, and reveals colossal potential! Wait and see!

1985 Ch. Margaux 88p

Tasted three times - last time in November 2015. Consistent notes. It had been tasted on three occasions (2015) and with the same TNs - light and a bit anonymous, round, charming, and balanced. 

1961 Ch. Margaux 96p

I tasted it four times, the last time in February 1991. It is complex and intense, with immense depth, supporting tannin, and lush fruit. It has superb balance, elegance, and finesse. It's a truly great wine!

1959 Ch. Margaux 90p

Tasted in October 1994. Deep red. Mature nose with much sweetness. Charming, elegant, and long. Smooth and graceful on the aftertaste. Delightful wine.

1953 Ch. Margaux 100p

Tasted in December 1990. Fantastic nose of truffles and cherries. Incredible finesse, elegance, and sophisticated charisma. It's a perfect wine; old Bordeaux shows how it can seduce wine lovers. Wow!

1947 Ch. Margaux 96p

I tasted it in April 1989. It has a very intense and refined nose of raspberry drops. Delicate and delicious on the palate, it is an incredibly complex and captivating wine—breathtaking stuff.

1945 Ch. Margaux 94p

Tasted in May 2020. Salty (oysters) on the nose, elegant and sophisticated, refined and sumptuous in length. Still having fun, and it makes wine tasters happier. 

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1929 Ch. Margaux 99p

Tasted in July 2024. Chateau bottled. It is a perfect wine with all the elegance, finesse, and sophistication you would desire. It's timeless and seamless, and it's a true meditation wine!!

Ch. Margaux 1929

 

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2023 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 94p

Tasted in April 2024. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. 14.1% alcohol. There is more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend and less Merlot than in 2022. One could expect a powerful and tight wine, but it is not. It follows the vintage's pattern with tenderness, elegance, and finesse. Fine acidity, midpalate, and complexity fulfill this splendid wine.

2023 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 95p

I tasted it in April 2024.  100% Sauvignon Blanc. There is an excellent intensity of green apple, acacia, and pineapple aromas. The palate has remarkable acidity, is vibrant with tension, and is complex. The lingering finish has a hint of lemon. Impressive for the vintage.

2022 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 94+p

Tasted in April 2023. 64% C. Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% C. Franc and 7% P. Verdot. 14.8% alcohol. 25 hl/ha. Powerful with a strong backbone, very concentrated with intense black fruit. Thick, textured, vibrant, and with excellent mid-palate. Long, meaty aftertaste. Masculine wine with grace and elegance. Excellent effort.

2022 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 94p

I tasted it in April 2023. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp intensity of green apples, citrus, and lemongrass is well-matched with great minerality and acidity. It is vibrant with tension and complexity. Impressive effort. 

2021 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 93p

Tasted in April 2022. 73% C.Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% C. Franc and 5% P. Verdot. 13.1% alcohol. Freshness, flavorful red fruit, sappy, velvety texture with silky tannin, tasteful redcurrants, and raspberries. Delicate mid-palate and lingering aftertaste. Superb effort.

2021 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 94p

Tasted in April 2022. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp intensity of green apples, citrus, and lemongrass well matched big minerality and acidity. Vibrant with tension and complexity. Impressive effort.

2020 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 94+p

Tasted twice - last time in November 2021. Consistent notes. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. 13.6 alcohol. Fragrant and creamy blackcurrants are covered with grated chocolate, great intensity and balance, finely grained tannin, bright acidity, and a long, lush finish. A touch of aristocratic style might be the best vintage produced yet here. 

2019 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 94p

Tasted in June 2020. Only 27% of the whole production. 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 14.2% alcohol. It displays a very intense aroma of black cherries on the nose, very distinctive, deep, and noble: silky berries and grained tannin. The acidity keeps the whole thing fresh. Sophisticated, with a long and lingering aftertaste. It's as excellent as 2018 but more typical for the property.

2018 Pavillon Rouge 94p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2021. Consistent notes. 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot. It was potent and robust, with excellent structure and backbone, creamy blackcurrants, fat tannins, and a long, lush finish. This is the best vintage of this wine I've tasted yet.

2018 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 94p

I tasted it in April 2019. It was crisp and creamy, with fresh pineapple and green apple flavors, splendid acidity, and complexity. It was a lovely effort.

2017 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 92p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2018. Consistent notes. This barrel sample showed freshness, aromatic fruit, and elegance. Silky tannin and smooth finish. Very adorable. 

2017 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 94p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2018. Consistent notes. It showed great aromas, acidity and complexity, freshness, crispiness, and a long fruity finish. Excellent effort.

2016 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 93p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. It impressed me greatly with its excellent aromatic nose of black fruit, dense structure, splendid complexity, silky fruit and tannin, splendid concentration, and length.

2016 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 93p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. It showed freshness, excellent acidity, and subtle complexity. Unique structure and length.

2015 Pavillon Rouge 93-94p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. It represents 23% of the total crop and is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. It's one of the best wines ever produced at the property. High concentration, intensity, solid backbone, plenty of silky fruit and tannin, excellent acidity, and stunning finish.

2015 Pavillon Blanc 94+p

I tasted it three times, the last time in May 2018. Consistent notes. Small yield, only 20 hl/ha, 100% Sauvignon Blanc, reached 14% in alcohol (perfect ripeness). The 2015 vintage is the first one with organic treatment in the vineyard. Aromatic and fresh, with a significant acacia and grapefruit scent, rich, refined, and with great acidity. It had an awesomely long finish. Best Pavillon Blanc ever for me.

2014 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 91-92p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2015. Consistent notes. A meaty and robust wine with delicious bite and grip, nice acidity, structure, and complexity. Firm aftertaste.

2013 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 88p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. This wine (84% C. Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% P. Verdot, and 2% C. Franc) showed light texture, soft fruit, pleasant sweetness, and ripe tannin. Fine balance and delicate fruity aftertaste.

2012 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 91p

Tasted in April 2013. (34% of the whole production) displayed cherry nose, fresh, seductive, and silky fruit. Soft texture and fine, fruity finish. Fine balance. Well-made.

2012 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 92p

Tasted in April 2013. The yield was at 29 hl/ha, and only 30% of the harvest became PBdM. It had intense flavors of apples and acacia flower, splendid acidity and minerality, freshness, precise fruit, and a long finish. Fine effort.

2011 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 91-92p

Tasted in April 2012. Produced from a rigorous selection of grapes, resulting in 40% less quantity than in 2010! Velvety texture with silky fruit and tannin. Finesse and long, smooth aftertaste.

2011 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 94+p

Tasted in April 2012. This wine was utterly impressive. This wine displayed intense apples, excellent acidity and minerality, freshness, precise fruit, and a long finish.

2010 Pavillon Rouge 93-94p

Tasted twice - last time in May 2018. Consistent notes. Probably the best wine from this property - powerful wine with very aromatic ripe dark cherries, chocolate, fat ripe tannin, well-knitted, harmonious, and long lingering aftertaste. Exceptional effort.

2010 Pavillon Blanc 93-94p

I tasted it in April 2011. It impressed me a lot with its very intense flavors of pineapple and grapefruit, excellent acidity and minerality, freshness, precise fruit, and a long aftertaste.

2009 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 90-92p

Tasted in April 2010. Silky, sublime, excellent concentration, subtle with much finesse and elegance.

2009 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 93p

Tasted in April 2010. This wine was imposing. Very intense aromas of acacia flower, apple tart, excellent acidity and minerality, freshness, very aromatic and accessible.

2008 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 90-92p

Tasted in March 2009. It contained a whole 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and impressed a lot. Ripe, smooth, lovely balance, pleasant fruit sweetness, and delightful soft finish.

2008 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 93-95p

Tasted in March 2009. This wine was stunningly impressive, with intense acacia flower, citrus, mango, high acidity, formidable structure, and long finish.

2005 Pavillon Rouge 89p

Tasted in October 2015. Delicate and soft, lovely intensity and complexity, round and tasty, silky fruit and tannin.

2004 Pavillon Blanc 90p

Tasted in May 2018. Light and elegant, some citrus and acacia, green apple. From old Sauvignon Blancs vines.

2000 Pavillon Rouge 93p

Tasted in May 2018. Awesomely beautiful nose of black fruit, perfect ripeness of fruit, extremely elegant and sophisticated. It is in full bloom and an outstanding testimony to the vintage!

 

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