Château Margaux 2024

Ruby-bright; what a nose—profound, stunningly beautiful, intensely floral, playful, a hint of cedar, pine resin, violets, wild berries; highly elegant on the palate, a wine full of joie de vivre and energy, spicy, red-fruited, long-lasting. This is a Margaux delicacy like no other, slender in style yet with a finesse that is second to none. The great terroir speaks volumes here.

A tremendous effort from Margaux in 2024. Fragrant Cabernet notes on the nose, blackcurrant leaf, blackcurrants, cherries, some tobacco touches, dark fruits with aromatic nuances on the nose. Wild flower meadows with ripe cherries and blackcurrants. Glossy and so smooth, incredibly well textured, not demonstrative, this is sleek and like layers of silk on top of each other, a glossy feel and so confident. Blue cherry, cola, crushed blueberries, salty touches, liquorice and dark chocolate—everything balanced. Beautiful, this is just what you expect from Margaux, precision and perfection with a lively acidity and crushed stone chalkiness on the finish. 1% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 13% press wine. 46% grand vin production.

Lilacs, roses, violets, and white flowers propel the aromatics before unveiling a wealth of black cherries, blackberries, espresso, cocoa, and nutmeg. A wine of finesse and charm, the palate unfolds in layers of sweet, spicy, black, and dark red fruits. There is lift and energy, coupled with a relaxed palate presence, allowing you to enjoy this in its youth as well as age it for decades. The almost zesty finish refreshes and echoes its aromatic profile and elegance. Clearly, this is one of the stars of the vintage. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. 12.8% ABV. 3.61 pH, 14% press wine. 46% of the crop was placed into the Grand Vin. Picking took place September 23 - October 8. The key to their success here was the ability to wait for ripeness and selection. Drink from 2030-2055. 95-97 pts

Cherry, blackberry, geranium: a superlative nose, both serene and abundant, blending fruit and perfumed flowers. A delicate sap brings the crystalline freshness of summer morning dew. On the palate, the fullness is controlled, chiselled, with a chalky core and taffeta-like tannins. A majestic wine.

(93% Cabernet Sauvignon) Lovely, elegant, spicy nose, nicely refined, offering depth and complexity. It shows notes of crushed boysenberry, creamy wild strawberry, and, more subtly, blueberry, with pretty touches of minerality, a delicate smoky hint, and fine accents of toast, nutmeg, and lilac, a faint note of almost wild black berries, and a subtle touch of toast. The palate is beautifully handled, fresh, mineral, elegant, finely defined, airy, delicate, and fine, with a fresh/tangy backbone, precision, lovely finesse/delicacy in its energy, a pretty floral side, measured concentration, and depth. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry and crisp cherry, and, more lightly, fresh/juicy small fruits, with touches of berries, black pepper, crisp plum, star anise, as well as a hint of bergamot, spices, and a fine infusion-like note. The tannins are fine, fresh, elegant, airy, and offer a subtle sappy edge. Good length. Fine work on pleasant bitters on the finish/persistence. Superb persistence (+13 caudalies). A wine that offers a soothing, delicate side, full of plenitude.