Château Margaux 2017/2021/2023

Château Margaux is a classic, elegant wine, often described as an "iron fist in a velvet glove" for its firm yet silky structure. Despite the weather challenges of the 2021 Bordeaux vintage, this Premier Grand Cru Classé stands out for its vibrant freshness, balanced acidity and refined tannins.

The Wine Advocate
RP 95+

Reviewed by: William Kelley

The 2021 Château Margaux had a traditional élevage in new barrels, with bottling in July and, as readers will recall, it's a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It benefited from late picking, appreciable percentages of saignée and rigorous selection.

In the glass it gradually opens with aromas of cassis, blueberries and raspberries, mixed with notes of liquorice, white flowers and charcoal. It's medium- to full-bodied, deep and layered, with an ample attack, vibrant purity and sweet, structuring tannins, ending in a long, penetrating finish.

It's a classic that will richly reward bottle ageing.

Published: 8 February 2024.

The Wine Advocate
RP 96

Reviewed by: William Kelley

The 2023 Château Margaux gradually unfolds in the glass with aromas of ripe red and black fruit, mixed with notes of violets, orange zest and flower petals, wrapped in spicy, toasty oak that's quite evident at this early stage. Medium- to full-bodied, it has a deep core of primary fruit, supported by vibrant acidity and structuring, chalky tannins. It's a young, energetic wine that will need some patience before reaching its full potential.

The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 13% alcohol. The Cabernet Sauvignon had slightly shorter macerations than usual, while the Merlot had the opposite.

Philippe Bascaules described 2023 as “another hot, dry year” at Château Margaux, but characterised by regular rain and relatively cloudy skies. Harvest began on 11 September and ended on 5 October. Part of the crop was affected by sunburn during the late-season heatwave, and removing those berries during picking took a lot of time. Sorting is still done entirely by hand on this estate, by the pickers themselves in the vineyards.

Some lots, especially Merlot, showed a high concentration of juice and underwent a saignée (bleeding) of up to 15%. This is also the first vintage in conversion to organic farming on the estate.

Published: 9 April 2026.