In the glass
Aroma: roses, violets, cassis, cedar, graphite
Palate: black cherry, ripe blackcurrant, fine powdery tannins, vibrant saline minerality, penetrating length
The most perfumed of the Médoc first growths: haunting floral aromatics of roses and violets above a core of concentrated cassis, extraordinary saline minerality, and tannins demanding decades of patience.
What it pairs with
-
Roasted Pauillac lamb saddle
The iconic Bordeaux pairing: structured first-growth tannins and mineral precision meet the finest regional lamb. -
Wild Scottish grouse
Game birds' gamey intensity and earthy character demand the complexity and aromatic depth of a great Margaux. -
White truffle risotto
Earthy truffle and the wine's graphite-and-violet precision create an extraordinary aromatic dialogue. -
Foie gras mi-cuit
The wine's grippy tannins and high acidity cut through the richness of mi-cuit foie gras.
How to serve Château Margaux
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roasted Pauillac lamb saddle, Wild Scottish grouse, White truffle risotto. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Estate documented since the 12th century as 'La Mothe de Margaux' and restructured by the Lestonnac family from 1572. The Mentzelopoulos family acquired the estate in 1977 and led its modern renaissance under director Paul Pontallier (1983-2016), followed by Philippe Bascaules.
- 1572 — Lestonnac family restructures the property entirely to viticulture
- 1855 — Classified as Premier Cru in the Bordeaux 1855 Classification
- 1977 — André Mentzelopoulos purchases the estate and begins quality revival
- 1983 — Paul Pontallier appointed director, leading 33-year quality era
- 2019 — 2019 vintage drew top-tier critic review from Wine Advocate (William Kelley, reviewer-points tuples on scores array)
Facts
- Producer
- Château Margaux
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (7%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Petit Verdot (1%)
- Classification
- Margaux AOC, Premier Cru Classé (1855)
- Oak
- 100% new French oak barrels, 18-24 months
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Production
- 144,000 bottles
- Price
- €700-2000 at retail
- Drinking window
- 15-50 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1787
Scores
- Wine Advocate 100 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
- Decanter 98 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2023)
Frequently asked about Château Margaux
What does Château Margaux taste like?
On the nose, roses, violets, cassis, cedar, graphite. On the palate, black cherry, ripe blackcurrant, fine powdery tannins, vibrant saline minerality, penetrating length. Structurally full-bodied, high tannins, high acidity with a long finish. The most perfumed of the Médoc first growths: haunting floral aromatics of roses and violets above a core of concentrated cassis, extraordinary saline minerality, and tannins demanding decades of patience.
When should I drink Château Margaux?
Drink 15-50 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Château Margaux?
Roasted Pauillac lamb saddle is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Wild Scottish grouse and White truffle risotto. The iconic Bordeaux pairing: structured first-growth tannins and mineral precision meet the finest regional lamb.
What grapes are in Château Margaux?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (7%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Petit Verdot (1%). The wine is classified as Margaux AOC, Premier Cru Classé (1855).