Château Margaux, 1er Cru Classé, Margaux, 2017
Having tasted the Pavillon Rouge, we had a certain sense of expectation - we were not disappointed. The 2017 Chateau Margaux is pure class. Fashioned from 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, and accounting for 37% of the crop, this is a consummate Margaux. Initially the floral fragrance of roses, potpourri and cherry blossom, then hints of Kirsch and pure raspberry and notes of gravel and cassis. The palate flows seamlessly into flavours of griotte and sweet redcurrant. It is so lucid and poised. There is a femininity to the precision and elegance of the fruit, but this us underpinned by power and authority. The press wines were so successful that 8% was included in the final blend. This lends power and breadth. As one would expect, the tannins are exceptional. They gently caress the mouth with noble fruits and touches of minerality. Despite its delicacy there is so much power and length - nuances keep developing and linger with real persistence. This is a truly exceptional Margaux and sits comfortably next to the extraordinary 2015 and 2016 vintages. Outstanding!
critic reviews
Pencil lead, roses, cassis, bleuberry, tea, gunsmoke, fine and supple tannins that stretch out through the palate, this is an amazing quality 2017 that shows the potential of the vintage in the right hands. The vineyards of Château Margaux are almost exactly the same size as in 1855 at 80ha. Three-quarters of the vines are on deep and extremely poor gravel soils, and others with clay and limestone bedrock, covered by fine gravels of terraces 3 and 4. Philippe Bascaules technical director, Corinne Menzelopoulos owner at the time (it was recently announced in 2023 that she has now handed over to her son Alexis).
A blend of 89 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Chateau Margaux is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It is still very closed on the nose, giving slow-to-come glimpses and scents of kirsch, black raspberries, and star anise, followed by suggestions of tilled soil, mossy tree bark, and pencil shavings, with a waft of crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate is taut and tightly wound with loads of stunning floral and red berry nuances coming through in the mid-palate, supported by ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and mineral-laced. A head-turner, for sure.
The 2017 Château Margaux, bottled in June/July 2019, has a classic aromatic profile for this First Growth: blackcurrant leaf, raspberry, cold black tea and pressed iris rather than violet petals this time. It is well defined, if not as intense as the 2016 as you would expect. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, quite saline in the mouth with superb precision on the elegant finish. This is one of the most approachable Château Margaux that I can remember, less opulent than out of barrel and supremely refined.
product details
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