Château Margaux, 1er Cru Classé, Margaux, 2021
The Grand Vin accounts for 36% of the crop and is blended from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The pH is the same as 2019 and 2020, although the 2021 appears fresher due to the lower alcohol (13.1%). Berries were harvested with very high IPTs, just below 2011, 2018 and 2020, however, they were big and full of juice, so the Margaux team did a little saignée (bleeding), which reduced yields, but gave more concentration. Following on from the excellent Pavillon Rouge, this exudes Margaux class. Initial suggestions of violets, fine herbs, graphite and creme de mûre transpose to the palate with a calm, fluid, multi-layered array of small berry fruit and minerals. Although this doesn't possess the almost creamy texture of the 2019 and 2020, it is no less impressive. It's more classically built with a steely delicacy and astonishing detail. There's such class and definition to the tannins, they provide an integral framework and refinement. A staggeringly beautiful Margaux, which will shine for many many years.
critic reviews
A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2021 Chateau Margaux has a pH of 3.65. This year the first wine is 36% of the total production. It has a deep garnet-purple color and after a swirl or two it shoots from the glass with vibrant scents of blackcurrant jelly, fresh blackberries, and violets, leading to touches of pencil shavings, garrigue, and cloves. The medium-bodied palate is so plush and lively, delivering a quiet intensity of fragrant black fruit, finishing on a lingering mineral note.
Full of vivid flavours, colour and aromatics, chiselled, energetic and beautifully balanced. Subtle gunsmoke, grilled cassis bud and saffran alongside fleshy blackberry and pomegranate. Clear austerity on the finish, with waves of cloves and saffran as it extends through the palate. Plenty of harmony here, and potential for ageing. Harvest through to October 14. Philippe Bascaules director, showcasing what can be achieved in the vintage. Eric Boissenot consultant. 100% new oak.
As I found out of barrel, the 2021 Château Margaux bides its time on the nose. At the moment, understandably, as it is just three months post-bottling, the new oak is quite prominent—more than, say, Mouton or Lafite. But it is buttressed by ample blackberry and blueberry fruit and becomes increasingly floral in the glass. The palate is armed with extremely pure black fruit and a superb line of acidity, very harmonious with an incremental build in the mouth. Displaying wonderful mineralité and poise, this has actually stepped up a gear since I tasted it in barrel. I suspect it may well continue its melioration in bottle.
The 2021 Chateau Margaux saw a traditional elevage in new barrels, with bottling in July, and as readers will remember, it's a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that benefited from late picking, appreciable percentages of saignee, and a strict selection. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cassis, blueberries and raspberries mingled with hints of licorice, white flowers and charcoal, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a broad attack, lively purity and sweet structuring tannins, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. It's a classic that will richly reward bottle age.
product details
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