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Chateau Margaux


Heritage
Chateau Margaux, one of the most esteemed wine estates in Bordeaux, has a rich heritage dating back to the 12th century. The château itself, a neoclassical masterpiece completed in the early 19th century, is often referred to as the "Versailles of the Medoc." Its prominence rose in 1855 when it was classified as a First Growth, one of only four wines to receive this highest distinction in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Over the centuries, Chateau Margaux has been renowned for its exceptional quality and has remained a symbol of French wine excellence and aristocracy

Wine & Reviews
Chateau Margaux is celebrated for producing some of the finest red wines in the world, predominantly using Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller quantities of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Its wines are celebrated for their exceptional quality, elegance, and the ability to evolve beautifully over time, making them highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The consistent high ratings and glowing reviews from top wine critics underscore Château Margaux's status as one of the premier wine producers in the world.

For instance, the 2020 vintage received a stellar 98-100 points from Jeff Leve, who described it as "incredibly sensuous, silky and fresh," with an array of complex flavors like allspice, tobacco, and truffle. The 2020 vintage was lauded by Wine Enthusiast with a 99-point rating, highlighting its remarkable balance and complexity. They noted the wine's "intense concentration and effortless elegance," which are hallmarks of Château Margaux’s meticulous winemaking process.

The 2019 vintage was described by Decanter as "a quintessential Chateau Margaux," emphasizing its vibrant redcurrant, cranberry, and cassis flavors, along with a "fine, elegant cedary tannic structure," earning it a 97-point score. Similarly, the 2019 vintage received 97 points from Wine-Searcher, praised for its "pure, juicy red-fruit" and "fine, elegant cedary tannic structure".

The 2018 vintage received similar acclaim, with James Suckling awarding it 100 points and describing it as "perfectly ripe," with "wonderful balance and finesse" and flavors of blackcurrants, violets, and graphite. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also praised the 2018 vintage, giving it a 98-point rating and noting its "full-bodied richness and remarkable purity"

Terroir
The unique terroir of Chateau Margaux plays a crucial role in its wine's exceptional quality. The estate sits on a gravelly soil, which provides excellent drainage and forces the vines to dig deep into the earth, accessing complex mineral profiles that contribute to the wine's depth and structure. The microclimate, influenced by the nearby Gironde Estuary, ensures a balance of warmth and moisture, ideal for viticulture. ​

Chateau Margaux employs meticulous production and farming techniques, adhering to both traditional and innovative practices. The vineyards are managed with sustainable farming practices, minimizing chemical use and promoting biodiversity. Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure only the best fruit is selected. In the winery, a combination of stainless steel and oak vats are used for fermentation, allowing precise control over the process. The wines are then aged in new French oak barrels, adding complexity and elegance to the final product.

The combination of the unique terroir, with its gravelly soils and ideal microclimate, and the careful selection and blending of grape varieties, results in wines that are not only complex and elegant but also have excellent aging potential.

Visiting Chateau Margaux
Visiting Chateau Margaux offers a glimpse into the grandeur and meticulous craftsmanship that define this legendary estate. Tours reservations are quie difficult to obtain.

Recent Reviews for Passport Gourmet
 Thank you again for all of your work on this trip, and for the great drivers and guides who took care of the group.  I could see this group doing another trip to a different region and will be in touch if they want to.  I'm sure I'll be in touch again soon with some more folks.
Patrick M. Luxury Travel Agent

 Thanks for making such a great Experience for the Dickers. They texted me from the Paris Airport on the way to Tanzania and said they had a fantastic time. Liked the driver and all the wineries you planned. They gave the trip a 5 star. Thanks for making another happy client.
Lin K.