Such a floral wine, aromatics that really take hold and grip on through the palate, raspberry, black cherry, edges of rosebud, chalk, white tea, crayon, chalk, iris, has real precision, and a slow-burn unspooling of flavours, salted cracker salinity on the finish. 46% of the overall production is in Château Margaux, 30hl/ha yield after sorting through the year as needed. Harvest September 23 to October 8. Philippe Bascaules director, 3.62ph. Excellent quality, one of the wines of the vintage, with a slightly earlier starting date for drinking than usual, eight years following harvest.

Lilacs, roses, violets, and white flowers combine to propel the aromatics before unveiling the wealth of black cherries, blackberries, espresso, cocoa, and nutmeg. A wine of finesse and charm, the palate enjoys layers of sweet, spicy, black, and dark red fruits. There is lift and energy, coupled with a relaxed palate presence, allowing you to enjoy this in its youth as well as age it for decades. The almost zesty finish refreshes and resonates with its aromatic profile and elegance. Clearly, this is one of the stars of the vintage. The wine blends 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. 12.8% ABV. 3.61 pH, 14% press wine. 46% of the crop was placed into the Grand Vin. Picking took place September 23 – October 8. The key to their success here was the ability to wait for ripeness and selection. Drink from 2030-2055.

Representing 46% of the total crop (a little higher than recent years due to higher yields in the best Cabernet blocks), the 2024 Château Margaux contains slightly less Merlot (5%). It has a sophisticated bouquet in the context of the growing season, with black fruit, pressed violet and hints of pencil box that almost lend a Pauillac-like allure. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and modest depth. This is clearly a leaner Château Margaux compared to, say, the 2020 or 2022, but it is razor-sharp with superb tension and mineralité. Unapologetically classic in style with modest length, this noble First Growth will benefit from four to five years in bottle.

The 2024 Château Margaux has turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with notes of cassis, violets, cigar box and iris. Medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with excellent density and concentration for the vintage, it's lively and layered, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. This is a serious, youthfully tightly wound blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc that attained 12.8% alcohol.

The 2024 Château Margaux is quite soft and delicate. It shows fine delineation in its aromatics and on the palate, but it's distinctly on the lighter side, even for Château Margaux. The mid-palate and finish are a touch compact, while there is a bit of edginess in the tannins that needs time to resolve. Bright acids and the lack of fruit pliancy expose the tannins at this stage. Élevage will be everything. Château Margaux is a bit of a question mark.

93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 30 hl/ha. 46% of the production. Cask sample.

Fragrant but more complex and subtle than Pavillon Rouge. Smooth texture with plenty of tension and abundant, forceful but refined tannins. Long and explosive on the finish. Super-elegant and delicious to boot. (JL)

12.8% Drink 2034 – 2055