Chateau Margaux

Margaux

 

Classification:

First-growth in 1855

 

Vineyards (red):

Surface area : 214.9 acres entitled to the appellation, but only 192.7 acres are currently under vine

Average age of vines : 35 years

Blend : 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc

Density of plantation : 10,000 vines per hectare

Average yields (over the last 5 years) : 40 hectoliters per hectare

Total average annual production : 400,000 bottles

 

Grand Vin (red):

Brand name : Chateau Margaux

Appellation : Margaux

Mean annual production : 200,000 bottles

Upbringing : Grapes are hand-picked and severely sorted both in the vineyards and as they come into the winery. Fermentations last 3 weeks in oak vats equipped with an automatic temperature-control system. Malolactics occur in tanks, as a rule. Wines are transferred to oak barrels (100% new) in November. Assemblage occurs in February, and wines remain in barrels for approximately 18 months to 2 years (this depends on the vintage). They are fined with egg whites and racked every 3 months, but not filtered before bottling.

 

Second Wine:

Brand name : Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux

Average annual production : 200,000 bottles

 

Evaluation of present classification : Should be maintained

Plateau of maturity : 9-30 or more years following the vintage

 

"The immediate acclaim for the 1978 Margaux has been followed by a succession of other brilliantly executed wines, so stunning, rich, and balanced that it is not unfair to suggest that during the eighties there was no better wine made in all of Bordeaux than that of Margaux."

 

"The style of the rejuvenated wine at Margaux is one of opulent richness, a deep, multidimensional bouquet with a fragrance of ripe black currants, spicy vanillin oakiness, and violets. The wine is now considerably fuller in color, richness, body, and tannin than the wines made under the pre-1977 Ginestet regime."

 

Rated "Outstanding"

Robert M. Parker Jr.

 

 

Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux

Second Wine

 

"By the way, this estate's second wine, the 1995 Pavillon du Chateau Margaux (89), may turn out to be one of the most delicious example the property has made. The wine is forward, sexy, round, and generous, with gobs of black fruit and a subtle dosage of new oak. It should drink well for 10-15 years."

Robert M. Parker Jr.