Château Margaux, 1er Cru Classé, Margaux, 2018

Comprised of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the grand vin represents 36% of the harvest. The team were very gentle during vinification and this cautious approach has resulted in a classically styled, fragrant, Chateau Margaux. Lovely aromatics, classic Margaux aromas of roses, potpourri and cherry blossom, then hints of sweet plum, cherry and jasmine. The palate is lucid and poised. It is more concentrated and powerful than normal but retains its DNA; this is unmistakeably Chateau Margaux; such precision and nobility, there is real elegance and purity to the floral infused fruit, underpinned by powerful and authoritative tannins. It is tightly wound and quite compact, but one can see glimpses of brilliance on the fine-grained tannins. Here there are deeply complex layers of sumptuous dark fruit and superb detail. This is a truly exceptional and very serious Chateau Margaux. At this stage it is quite introspective and less kaleidoscopic than normal, but there is enormous potential here. A rippling Margaux.