Margaux 2013

A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine that reflects the vintage, the 2013 Chateau Margaux is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. For the first time, there is no Merlot in the blend. Moreover, only 38% of the crop made it into Margaux, a finesse-styled, classic effort offering notes of spring flowers, blue and red fruits, decent acidity, sweet tannin, and a lovely, round, medium-bodied mouthfeel. The 2013 is not as concentrated as a great vintage, nor does it have the power and length of a top year, but it is a well-made, charming red to enjoy during its first 10-12 years of life.

The 2013 Château Margaux has an attractive bouquet that compared to fellow recent vintages appears earthy in style (as it appeared in barrel), offering a mixture of black and red fruit, bay leaf and cedar. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes through strongly - no surprise given that there is 97% of the final blend! The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a pleasing seam of acidity. It is not the greatest Château Margaux that the late Paul Pontallier ever made, but it is commendable for the vintage and there is a sense of harmony and composure towards the finish with hints of black pepper and mint lingering on the aftertaste. Enjoy this over the next 15 years, though I am not sure it has the substance to warrant maturation for a longer period.

The Château Margaux is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with no Merlot this year due to coulure and was picked between 30 September and 11 October. It represents 38% of the total harvest. It has a very masculine slightly earthy bouquet, a little more introverted than previous vintages, opening with time to reveal its trademark dried violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, silky smooth on the entry. There is not a huge weight in the mouth but it glides or rather flows nicely. It is a seductive Margaux, not a long-term wine for the estate but a success considering the vintage. Tasted April 2014.

A firm and tight Margaux with structure and elegance. Full bodied and tight. Lovely silky tannins and layers of texture and flavor. Currant and chocolate undertones. 94% cabernet sauvignon, the rest cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink in 2018.

Spectacular for the vintage. This is a wine that I want to buy. The aromas are like rose petals and perfume. Speechless. Palate is full body, yet refined and beautiful with perfectly polished tannins. It's wonderfully balanced. 99% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot.

The 2013 Margaux is impressive. I could describe the aromas and flavors, but ultimately, the 2013 is really a wine of texture above all else. An intensely floral finish gives lift to the dark red fruit in an understated, classy wine long on finesse. For the first time, Margaux includes no Merlot in 2013. This is a terrific showing. The blend is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

Since the early 1980's Margaux has produced many excellent vintages under the assured direction of Paul Pontallier. It is always impressive, whilst remaining fine and elegant. Margaux is certainly the most stylish and sophisticated of the First Growths. Quality is maintained here by a rigorous selection process and since 2009 there has been a third wine produced as well as the popular second wine Pavillon Rouge. In 2013 the grand vin represents 38% of the crop from a yield of just 22 hl/ha. There will be twice as much third and fourth wine as Pavillon Rouge. For the first time ever there is no Merlot in the blend. Paul admitted, honestly, that the vintage conditions were as bad as 1984 but work in the vineyards and winery have advanced enormously since then, resulting in the production of a decent wine in this difficult vintage. There are only going to be 8000 cases produced that he described as being, stylistically, like a lighter version of the 2008. 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4%Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. A medium ruby colour, with an aromatic and very perfumed nose of red cherries, redcurrants, flowers, and vanilla. The palate is elegant with pure red fruits and creaminess from sweet vanilla and cinnamon. There is refreshing acidity and silky tannins making the wine very approachable even at this young stage. Silky smooth with real purity and vivacity. A delicate Margaux where the focus is on poise and balance.