Margaux 2021 (750ML)

96+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "In the running for the wine of the vintage, the 2021 Château Margaux is stunning in its concentration, depth, purity, and length. Pure cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as graphite, ripe tobacco, and spicy oak all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. The style actually reminds me slightly of the 1996, and while it offers pleasure even today, it deserves 5-7 years of bottle age and will evolve for 20-30 years gracefully. It's a classic Château Margaux. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged all in new French oak." 04/24

96 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "As I found out of barrel, the 2021 Château Margaux bides its time on the nose. At the moment, understandably, as it is just three months post-bottling, the new oak is quite prominent—more than, say, Mouton or Lafite. But it is buttressed by ample blackberry and blueberry fruit and becomes increasingly floral in the glass. The palate is armed with extremely pure black fruit and a superb line of acidity, very harmonious with an incremental build in the mouth. Displaying wonderful mineralité and poise, this has actually stepped up a gear since I tasted it in barrel. I suspect it may well continue its melioration in bottle." 11/23

96Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2021 Château Margaux is creamy and supple, a classy Margaux with the volume turned down just a bit. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, spice and rose petal infuse the 2021 with layers of succulent depth. This is a quiet wine, but one that possesses notable richness for the year. Time in the glass brings out the aromatics, but this remains very much built on its fruit." 11/23

98 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "The purity of fruit here is terrific, with redcurrants, blackcurrants, licorice, lead pencil and hints of fresh basil—so aromatic—that follow through to a full body with creamy, round tannins and lots of volume and fluidity in the center-palate for the vintage. Very structured at the end. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Leave this for at least five or six years. Try after 2030." 05/24

97 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter: "A dark nose, serious and a bit closed, though there is such complexity on the palate. You get the tannic feel in the mouth straight away, mouthfilling, ample, generous and chewy - these tannins have weight and density but are lifted by the bright, high-definition cherry, strawberry and raspberry acidity underneath keeping things vibrant and fresh with a sour cherry and stoney minerality on the finish. Exceptional balance and sculpting, this has energy but also poise. Sophisticated glamour in full force, svelte and suave - this is a wine that aims to please. Definitely one of the most thrilling and captivating wines of the vintage! 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 36% grand vin." 03/22

95 Points, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux: "Full of vivid flavours, colour and aromatics, chiselled, energetic and beautifully balanced. Subtle gunsmoke, grilled cassis bud and saffran alongside fleshy blackberry and pomegranate. Clear austerity on the finish, with waves of cloves and saffran as it extends through the palate. Plenty of harmony here, and potential for ageing. Harvest through to October 14. Philippe Bascaules director, showcasing what can be achieved in the vintage. Eric Boissenot consultant. 100% new oak." 04/24