Bordeaux 2024: Château Margaux

The 2024 Château Margaux really appealed to us with its glorious aromas and classical proportions. This Cabernet dominated blend is all class and composure with just 12.8% alcohol. We loved the fragrant bouquet of violets, iris and cassis mingled with sandalwood and gentle spices. This is clearly one of the most exceptional wines of 2024, truly multidimensional with layers of vivid fruit supported by refined and nuanced tannins. In short, it’s splendid.

“Representing 46% of the total crop (a little higher than recent years due to higher yields in the best Cabernet blocks), the 2024 Château Margaux contains slightly less Merlot (5%). It has a sophisticated bouquet in the context of the growing season, with black fruit, pressed violet and hints of pencil box that almost lend a Pauillac-like allure. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and modest depth. This is clearly a leaner Château Margaux compared to, say, the 2020 or 2022, but it is razor-sharp with superb tension and mineralité. Unapologetically classic in style with modest length, this noble First Growth will benefit from four to five years in bottle. 2030 – 2055.” 94-96/100 – Neal Martin, vinous.com

“The 2024 Château Margaux has turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with notes of cassis, violets, cigar box and iris. Medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with excellent density and concentration for the vintage, it's lively and layered, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. This is a serious, youthfully tightly wound blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc that attained 12.8% alcohol.” 93-95/100 – William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Pavillon Rouge is one of the few exceptional second wines in 2024. Very much a chip off the old block, Pavillon boasts a charming bouquet of flowers and sweet berries. The palate is a clear continuation with bright, crystalline fruit encased in gently gripping tannins. A very successful second label.

“Incorporating more Cabernet Franc (as recent plantings mature) and more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, the 2024 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux unwinds in the glass with aromas of sweet cassis, red berries, vanilla pod and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and lively palate with good density, powdery tannins and lively acids. It checks in at 12.9% alcohol.” 90-93/100 – William Kelley, Wine Advocate

And finally, we have the magnificent Pavillon Blanc. Always one of the most glorious dry white creations from Bordeaux, the 2024 is particularly focussed and stimulating. We loved the vibrancy of the mid-palate and the lingering saline character; delightful!

“The 2024 Pavillon Blanc was picked September 2 to 8 and cropped at 30 hl/ha. A pure Sauvignon Blanc as usual, it represents 40% of the total production and has a little higher pH than in recent years at 3.2. It has a delectable bouquet of lime flower, hints of peach skin and passion fruit with lovely delineation. The palate is fresh on the entry, quite vibrant and focused with a keen line of acidity and a twist of sour lemon on the finish. This is a superb Pavillon Blanc. Drink: 2028-2040.” 91-93/100 – Neal Martin, vinous.com