QUEEN OF BORDEAUX

Château Margaux is situated in Haut-Médoc on right side of the so-called “Route de Vin”, just when you're about to leave Margaux village, and you have to walk app. 500 m to reach the cellars of the property. Vines grow on soil with the upper gravelly layer containing quartz and siliceous stones and subsoil consisting of fine grade of gravel mixed with clay and sand. Grape varieties used are Cabernet Sauvignon (75 %), Merlot (25 %) and Cabernet Franc + Petit Verdot (5 %). Vines are on average 35 years old, and vinification is carried out in wooden vats. Margaux matures 18-24 months in 100 % new oak.

Margaux offers wine-lovers a wonderful mixture of race, elegance and finesse, added one of Bordeaux’s most captivating bouquets. It is like to see a ballet dancer make pirouettes with grace and style. Margaux has light subsoil, which brings forward finesses and the refined impression in Merlot. From Cabernet Sauvignon’s side comes big contribution of backbone, depth and body. The wine offers also extraordinary structure, nuance richness and stunning length. A true Queen of Bordeaux!

Château Margaux Paul Pontallier - manager of Château Margaux

Video showing me walking in the vineyard of Chateau Margaux with Gunvor Bizard ( head responsable for visits) - harvest 2008

Harvesting Petit Verdot at Château Margaux - October 2009

2008 Margaux (barrel sample) 96p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2009. Similar notes.This property always makes gracious, always stylish, always extremely elegant and sophisticated wine. In 2008, this wine had velvety structure and velvety tannins. Simply awesome wine. When tasted in October 2009, it tasted stronger and longer on the palate with more weight than in March 2009.

2007 Margaux 92p

Tasted four times times - last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. This wine was as pretty and light on feet as slim and young ballerina, had beatifully aromas of violets and roses, enchanting elegance and finesse. Seductive like h.... and still improving. At least 15 more years to cellar this wine.

2006 Margaux 98p

Tasted four times - last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. It impressed with great intensity of flavours, power, refinement and sophisticated touch. Great, great classic wine for the property. Paul Pontalier simply adore this vintage. This wine is long term runner - will be major fire-works in 20-30 years time.

2005 Margaux 100p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2008. Consistent notes. This wine was like eternal flame, pure poetry, radiating and shining. This vintage at Château Margaux has an incredible charisma, style, elegance, depth and length. Seamless wine-making - but what could be done wrong with so extravagantly prima ripe and rich grapes Mother Nature provided Bordeaux with in 2005?!! Angels sing and sing and sing and .... for the next 30-50 years.

2004 Margaux 95p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2008. Consistent notes. 78% C.Sauvignon + 18% Merlot + 2% P.Verdot/C.Franc. This wine hasd turned out to be another classic - perfectly ripe fruit, stunning richness, extremely elegant and finesse, fleshy and long. Wonderful stuff. 1/3 or more of the price for 2005 and 2006. 20-25 years horisontally in the cellar.

2002 Margaux 93p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2008. It was served during harvest lunch at Château Margaux. Terrfic effort for the vintage with well-know elegance and finesse, round, very feminin, pure elegance and very fine intensity. Very, very enjoyable already now, but can keep for 10-15 more years.

1961 Margaux 96p

Tasted three times - last time in February 1991. Very complex and intense, immense depth and supporting tannin and lush fruit. Wonderful balance, elegance and finesse. A truly great wine!

1959 Margaux 90p

Tasted in October 1994. Deep red. Mature nose with much sweetness. Charming, elegant and long. Smooth and graceful on the aftertaste. Delightful wine.

2008 Pavillon Rouge (barrel sample) 90-92p

Tasted in March 2009. It contained whole 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and impressed a lot. Ripe, smooth, great balance, catchy fruit sweetness and delightful soft finish.

2008 Pavillon Blanc (barrel sample) 93-95p

Tasted in March 2009. This wine was stunningly impressive. Very intense flavors of acacia flower, citrus and mango, great acidity, formidable structure and long finish.

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