2023 Margaux, Margaux

The 2023 Château Margaux is clearly one of the greats in the vintage, and it actually reminds me a touch of the 1996, if not better. Revealing a deep purple hue, it has an incredible bouquet of cassis and blue fruits interwoven with classic Margaux floral, sandalwood, spice, and graphite aromatics. It's hard to find a wine in 2023 that has this much density and depth, with sweet tannins and so much charm. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, all of which will see 20 months in new barrels. Not enough can be said about the genius of Philippe Bascaules and the Mentzelopoulos family, who continue to produce sensational wine after sensational wine.

The grand vin is 41% of production, and the blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, essentially a little less Merlot, a little more Cabernet Franc, which Philippe plans to be the norm going forward. Beautiful griottes, dark chocolate, peony and rose petals on the nose, with touches of toast. This precedes a palate which is rich, polished, charming, elegant and light-footed, with a polished and sinewy substance, supported by a dense and supremely ripe, seamless tannins, wrapped around a core of bright and acid-fresh dark summer fruits. There is a floral edge to it as well, but it hides a rich structure and a confident finish naturally follows, where the tannins shine through. So harmonious and pure, this is a quite brilliant Margaux, with just an effortless composition. A classically styled wine, which is very representative of the terroir; a Margaux for Margaux lovers. Top work.