Margaux du Chateau Margaux, Margaux

Dark ruby. Nose: cassis, black currant, graphite, tobacco, leather, oak, hints of green notes. Full-bodied, high acid, firm tannins (improving with air), strong and structured backbone. Long finish with late spices. Character somewhat one dimensional.

It's a nice wine but not sure if it's Chateau Margaux level nice. In fact, if had it been served blind, I never would have guessed AOC Margaux. It was missing the delicate floral notes and notes of spice were more pronounced. It wasn't oak-heavy but not as well integrated as I would have liked. Medium fruit and medium tannins with a medium-short and refreshing finish. It's a very well-made Bordeaux but it will never be mistaken for Pavillon Rouge …

Tasted in Paris. Palette of pencil, bell peppers. Nose of red berries, pencil, bell peppers. Tannins are still present but it’s at a drinking stage already. Tasted this one alongside the 2013 Pauillac de Latour. Both were young and had similar nose. But the Margaux was in a better place. Softer on the palette and further ahead in maturity. Again skillset and quality was there. Great way to sample Chateau Margaux without spending the big bucks on big brother. 89-91

Wonderful Bottle of wine. We shared on Christmas Eve. Really nice with a decent body and flavor that wasn't jammy at all...

not very memorable.

I feel that this is a good way to get to know this top Chateau without investing too much. The young age is evident and I believe it will improve with age. The tannins are pleasant compared to wines from another chateau of the same vintage in the same appellation. What I liked most was the wonderful nose. The concentration is also very good. Highly recommend trying.

A private lunch (Restaurant Champeaux by Alain Ducasse, Paris, France) : Just released. Lighter than the 2010 - and not as alcoholic either (13% ABV as opposed to 14.5% ABV). It needs a bit of oxygen but opens up beautifully in a large glass, and the elegance, charm and aromatic lift (violets) are already remarkable at this very early stage; pure and precise on the palate, the tannins are gentle but present, the fruit (berries, cherries, cassis) is fresh but …