2018
6x75cl
DP
£3,379.22
vintage
portfolio
2018
6x75cl
DP
£3,379.22
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.
As one would expect from one of the Left Bank’s First Growths, the Grand Vin de Chateau Margaux is one of the most profound and most sought-after wines of Bordeaux. Recent vintages have reached new peaks, harnessing the natural power of the terroir with an extraordinary precision and texture. Few wines combine such haunting perfume, elegance and ethereal complexity.
The Mentzelopoulos family bought the estate from the Ginestet family in 1977. In an era of appalling vintages and economic depression in Bordeaux, Andre Mentzelopoulos invested in improving drainage, replanted vines, built a new barrel cellar and encouraged the use of a second label, Pavillon Rouge to improve quality. Sadly, Andre died in 1980 before the fruits of his labour were realised, but it was his vision and enterprise that laid the foundations for success. His daughter, Corrine along with the long-term general manager, Paul Pontallier continued the program of investment. Paul dedicated his working life to Chateau Margaux, restoring its reputation and pursuing excellence ceaselessly. His last vintage was the magnificent 2015, a fitting acknowledgement to his life and work.
There has been a general trend towards producing wines with very high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. It was Paul’s belief that the finest gravel croupes are best suited to Cabernet. Much of the Merlot that was utilized in the Grand Vin is now blended into the second label, Pavillon Rouge and a new third label (simply called Margaux). A 12 hectare vineyard further inland, planted with Sauvignon Blanc, is used to produce their excellent white wine, Pavillon Blanc. Alas, this tense, mineral infused cuvee is produced in miniscule quantities and is a rarity to our list.
Great as the wine of Chateau Margaux is, no introduction to this estate would be complete without mention of the magnificent Chateau, built by the Marquis de Colonilla and designed by Louis Combes. The Marquis allegedly had no real interest in wine, but his legacy is still enjoyed by everyone who visits. More recently, Sir Norman Foster and Partners designed a state-of-the-art winery, which blends seamlessly with its early 19th century surroundings.
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