Château Margaux, 1er Cru Classé, Margaux, 2016

Following the 2015 Margaux was always going to be a big ask, but the 2016 more than copes with the pressure. The technical team decided to shorten the macerations as the skins were so thick and full of colour. Crafted from 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and representing just 26% of the harvest - this is so fragrant already. Beautifully floral, touches of sandalwood, wonderful mineralité and sumptuous fruits: pure bilberry, lavish cassis and raspberry. This is so ethereal; a Margaux with exceptional poise and elegance. This isn't as sumptuous as the magnificent 2015, the fruit is more tightly coiled and reserved, but no less impressive. There is such purity and finesse combined with tension. The palate keeps revealing new nuances - a truly multidimensional Margaux that keeps teasing and enticing the taste buds. As one would expect from a great Margaux, there is pure Cabernet fragrance, impeccable purity, graceful power and no hint of heaviness - such fine detail. Masterful!