Château Margaux

Château Margaux is the only estate to share its name with its appellation—a testament to its historical significance. The wine is a blend predominantly featuring Cabernet Sauvignon (typically 85-90%), complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

The estate produces approximately 130,000 bottles annually of the Grand Vin, along with a second wine, Pavillon Rouge, and a white wine, Pavillon Blanc (made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc).

The estate encompasses 262 hectares, with 87 hectares planted to red varieties and 12 hectares to white. The vineyards rest on a unique geological formation—a plateau of deep gravel deposits over limestone bedrock.

Soil composition:

• Deep Günzian gravel (4-6 meters)
• Clay and limestone subsoil
• Excellent natural drainage

The microclimate benefits from proximity to the Gironde estuary, moderating temperature extremes and extending the growing season.

Under the direction of Technical Director Philippe Bascaules, Château Margaux maintains traditional Bordelais methods while incorporating modern precision.

Key practices:

• Plot-by-plot vinification in temperature-controlled vats
• Fermentation in a combination of oak and stainless steel
• Malolactic fermentation in barrel
• Aging in 100% new French oak for 18-24 months
• Egg white fining for clarification

The estate operates its own cooperage to ensure barrel quality matches their exacting standards.

Château Margaux is renowned for its exceptional balance of power and elegance—often described as the most 'feminine' of the First Growths.

Typical characteristics:

• Appearance: Deep ruby with violet highlights when young
• Nose: Violets, blackcurrant, graphite, tobacco, and subtle oak
• Palate: Silky tannins, remarkable length, layers of dark fruit and mineral complexity
• Finish: Extraordinarily long, with lingering floral and fruit notes

The wine typically needs 15-20 years to reach its drinking window, with the finest vintages capable of aging for 50+ years.

Legendary vintages: 1900, 1928, 1953, 1961, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

Recent standouts:

• 2019: 99 points (Parker) - Exceptional concentration and freshness
• 2016: 100 points (Parker) - Perfect balance, one for the ages
• 2015: 99 points - Rich yet elegant, classic Margaux style

Aging recommendations:

• Lesser vintages: 10-20 years
• Great vintages: 20-50 years
• Exceptional vintages: 50+ years

The elegance of Château Margaux makes it versatile with refined cuisine.

Classic pairings:

• Lamb (particularly rack of lamb with herbs)
• Beef tenderloin or filet mignon
• Roasted game birds (squab, guinea fowl)
• Aged hard cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Comté)

To avoid:

• Heavily spiced dishes that overwhelm the wine's subtlety
• Very rich, fatty preparations
• Fish or seafood (better paired with Pavillon Blanc)