critic reviews
The 2022 Château Margaux is almost stentorian on the nose, very Pauillac in style, complex and beautifully defined with layers of black fruit, tobacco and a dash of graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Perfectly balanced, poised and persistent, with incredible mineralité and purity towards the satin-textured finish. Potentially the wine of the vintage. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
The grand vin takes 40% of the harvest, and after Pavillon Rouge this leaves 28% to be divided between the third wine and the bulk wine. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the élevage all in new oak. This presents the same forward fruit as in Pavillon Rouge, but here enhanced by notes of tobacco, fine leather, currant and lightly salted black olive, with little notes of crushed oyster shell and violets. The palate is elegant, very svelte, with a serious yet finessed frame, riven with fine powdery tannins which add a superb structure, ripe and finely knit together, harmonious and yet imbuing the palate with a finessed energy. It finishes with a flourish of sweet and dark fruits, with a long grip of finely contracting tannins. Very fine and sinewy, with great freshness, the acidity also giving the wine shape. A stunning example of Margaux, with great length;a future classic, for sure. The alcohol on the label is 14.5% on the label.
Clear precision and intensity to the aromatics, and the tannins here are silky, enticing, this is squid ink, plum puree, cloves, turmeric, fragrant cardamon and crushed mint. Concentrated and mouthfilling, while retaining the succulent finesse that Margaux delivers so effortlessly. A wonderful wine that will age for decades. 25hl/h yield. 100% new oak for ageing, Philippe Bascaules director.
A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, 2022 Chateau Margaux is one of the most powerful wines ever produced at this estate, wafting from the glass with aromas of creme de cassis, dark berries, violets, burning embers, smoked tea and exotic spices. Full-bodied, deep and layered, it's rich, velvety and seamless, with a bright core of fruit and a long, heady finish. With the highest analytical measure of tannins since 2010, and an alcohol level a touch above 14%, this is certainly a larger-scaled Chateau Margaux, yet at this early stage, everything appears to be kept in check.