Margaux 2019

The 2019 Château Margaux is slightly more low-key than its peers, but very precise. Crushed rocks infuse the black fruit, quite transparent and very terroir driven. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, and fine structure. Dense and weighty, with a sapid finish that doesn't quite have same effortless ease as its peers. Maybe this is hiding something up its sleeve? (When its identity is revealed, the answer is affirmative.) Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2026-2055.

Tasted blind. A rather weak rim to the crimson. Light nose. Lots of sweet palate entry but without quite the drama or concentration of some. Angostura-bitters element to the flavour. Lots of tannin underneath. Not quite as thrilling as some. And pretty angular at present. 13.5%Drink 2030 – 2050

90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 37% of the production. Barrel sample.Deep colour to the rim. Super fragrance, the aromas pure and persistent with typical Cabernet cassis and graphite notes. Rich and full across the palate but definitely more freshness than the Pavillon. Plentiful tannins provide the drive but absolutely no aggression. Aromatic freshness on the finish aids persistence and length. (JL) 13.9%Drink 2030 – 2050

The 2019 Chateau Margaux is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, with the first wine representing 37% of the harvest. Deep purple-black colored, it needs considerable coaxing to release scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote, and ripe blackcurrants, leading to nuances of violets, cedar chest, pencil shavings, wood smoke, and wet slate with a waft of black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is simply electric, with a firework display of mineral earth and black fruits and super-fine, firm, tannins, plus incredible tension, finishing with epic length and depth. "I'm surprised by the body," commented winemaker Philippe Bascaules as we tasted together. "During primeurs, the 2019 was full of charm. Now it is more concentrated, more powerful." Indeed.

The 2019 Château Margaux, bottled in July 2021, is absolutely divine on the nose. It unfurls to reveal exquisitely defined black fruit infused with graphite, Japanese nori and just a hint of potpourri and crushed stone. This is supremely well focused, refined and correct, so much so that you would think it comes from a cooler growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant, filigreed tannins that envelop the senses. Flavors of blackberry and bilberry, tinged with sea salt and black pepper, merge into a slightly more sensual finish that is still quintessentially Margaux. I used the word "effortless" in my note from barrel, and that rings true in bottle, though maybe there is now even more persistence. Quite stunning. 2029 - 2065

The 2019 Château Margaux, like many other top names, was tasted in 12-hour intervals after opening. Like the Pavillon Rouge, it is tightly-wound on the nose initially and it is really only after 12-hours that it begins to motor, revealing enticing scents of blackberry, briary, seaweed and crushed stone, perhaps less florality, less violet-inspired aromas compared to previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with very lithe tannins that disguise the considerable backbone of this First Growth. This is imbued with a sense of linearity and focus, a strictness that gradually gives way to more sensuality. It is a beautifully proportioned Château Margaux, somehow "effortless", fanning out nonchalantly with residues of white pepper and fresh tobacco on the finish. Outstanding. 2029 - 2065

The fantastic quality of the cabernet sauvignon really comes through here with black currant, blueberry and raspberry character. It’s full-bodied with such tightness. It’s so beautiful in the center palate. The tannins are wonderfully blended into the wine and flow across the palate. Rather leaner and racy. Ethereal. 37% of the production and 90% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

The 2019 Château Margaux is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, accounting for 37% of the crop. The alcohol came in at 13.9%, the IPT was 75, and the pH was 3.66. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose begins with intense scents of crushed blackberries, warm cassis and plum preserves before fanning out into a whole array of floral, exotic spice and earth scents: iris, red roses, star anise, cassis, tilled soil, moss-covered bark and black truffles, with an emerging waft of crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate quivers with energy, emitting loads of mineral sparks, featuring bold freshness and fantastically ripe, finely grained tannins to support the delicate, perfumed layers, finishing very long and wonderfully poised. The juxtaposition between the acidity and the richness in this Château Margaux is just extraordinary!

This expands sideways, vertically and downwards, with a creamy mid palate and a rose petal, peony, raspberry and cassis collision on the nose. This is chewy in its tannic structure, full on and yet delicate and sappy. Fresh, elegant, perfumed and concentrated - clearly will age for decades. This is close in character to the 2009 or 2015, two exceptional vintages at Margaux and classic to the graceful yet concentrated signature of the property. 1% Petit Verdot to complete the blend, 100% new oak although barely discernible already. 37% of overall production in the 1st wine this year. Drinking Window 2029 - 2050