Margaux

We found Margaux to be a surprising appellation. The wines were consistently good, despite the heat and drought. Some believe that the vines were able to survive due to less access to water early in the growing cycle, which allowed them to be unlocked by the August rain. Regardless, the wines are lovely, with a good balance of structure and charm.

 

Highlights from Margaux include Château Margaux, which produced a big wine with huge tannins and low pH levels, making it fresh and accessible yet thrilling and coy. Palmer is also powerfully built, with a core of freshness in the middle of the palate. At the more delicate end of the spectrum, Brane-Cantenac has a core of compact, intense fruit, while Giscours shows reserve with pinpoint accuracy.

 

Du Tertre has shifted direction slightly, with more Cabernet Franc in the blend adding verticality to the palate. D’Issan and Cantenac Brown continue to impress with their investments. Overall, our tastings in Margaux had no weak links, surprising us in this vintage of paradoxes.