2014 Chateau Margaux Premier Cru Classe, Margaux

Chateau Margaux Premier Cru Classe, Margaux

Colour: Red

Vintage: 2014

Region: Bordeaux, Margaux

One of the most famous names in the world of wine, the quality of Chateau Margaux has been well documented since the 18th century, with British Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole and US Ambassador Thomas Jefferson among its followers. Despite an amazing effort in 1953, the wines of Chateau Margaux struggled for several decades during the 20th century to achieve the same level of quality it had previously become famous for. It wasn't until the purchase of the estate in 1977 by the Mentzelopoulos family, and the 1983 appointment of Paul Pontallier as manager, that the fortunes of this great estate turned around. Andre Mentzelopoulos invested huge amounts of money into the estate and the results were almost immediate with a stellar wine produced in 1978. When Andre passed away suddenly shortly after, it was left to his 25-year old daughter Corinne to take over - and alongside Pontallier she created a modern legacy for the estate with three and a half decades of brilliant vintages. After Paul Pontallier’s tragic death in early 2016, Philippe Bascaules took over as General Manager and the estate continues to thrive. As Neal Martin summarises: “The fundamental virtue of a great Château Margaux is poise; the way it tiptoes on the palate like a ballerina, full of strength and grace.”

Tasting Notes and Scores

972 WL

Quality 954 | Brand 998 | Economics 965 | buzz brand, investment staple
Quality: Predicted life of 20 years, one of the longest drinking windows in its peer group for the 2014 vintage, which averages 9 years Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 44 of the world's top wine lists, including Lung King Heen Economics: More traded at auction than its peers, its top 5 vintages having seen 4,675 75cl equivalent bottles traded in the past year Production: Higher production than its peer group average of 112,956 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017

Wine Lister

97 JS

The purity of cabernet sauvignon fruit is what impresses here. Subtle and energetic plum and currant aromas follow through to a gorgeously harmonized palate of wonderful fruit and an ultra-long finish. Current bush and light earth adds to the complexity. Lasts for minutes.

James Suckling

95 DR

Striking black fruits from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, yet restrained – even severe – with less charm and more firmness; the opposite of showy. With great natural density and tannins that do not overwhelm, this is a classical Château Margaux that will need time to fully open up.
Tasted by Steven Spurrier (at Bordeaux, 13 Apr 2015)
Part of Bordeaux 2014: Top 10 Margaux reds

Decanter

95 WS

This is solidly packed, with layers of warm fig bread, plum compote and black currant preserves, carried by a silky yet substantial structure. As the fruit plays out, the anise, black tea and singed alder notes in the background come into clearer focus, giving this remarkable range. Everything glides beautifully through the suave, gently toasty finish. JM

Wine Spectator

94+ AG

The 2014 Margaux is a soft, understated wine that speaks in hushed tones. Silky, delicate and understated, it offers lovely depth in a decidedly laid-back style, even by the standards of Margaux. Deceptive in its midweight structure, the 2014 is a classy wine that will likely only show its true colors with time in bottle. The wine spent 21 months in 100 % new French oak.

Antonio Galloni

94 NM

The 2014 Château Margaux, has a fragrant bouquet with blackberry, graphite and light violet aromas. This feels very refined, very Margaux as banal as that sounds. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite precise tannin. This is an unreservedly understated First Growth, more masculine then I remember from barrel and just after bottling, firming up a little for the long-haul. In some ways, the higher Cabernet Sauvignon renders this a little more Pauillac-like in flavour profile, although it has the finesse that is synonymous with this estate. Excellent. Tasted at the property. - vinous.com, March 2018

Neal Martin

18 JR

Mid ruby. Hint of toasty oak on the nose – sweet and charming. Medium body and lots of fruity charm. Very juicy and salivatory. Strong cassis. There is a framework here and quite a bit of acidity but it’s all appeal. Pretty classy and fresher than some. Classic.

Jancis Robinson

Chateau Margaux Premier Cru Classe, Margaux