Château Margaux 2022 - 1er Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This vintage has never disappointed since it was bought by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977, and easily dominates the entire Margaux appellation. We particularly admire the rare combination of finesse in density and freshness in opulence, without any over-ripeness of the grapes, achieved with a very high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. A dozen hectares planted with white grape varieties produce the Pavillon-Blanc, which in just a few years has become one of the three most sought-after wines in the Margaux appellation. majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Around ten hectares planted with white grape varieties produce the Pavillon-Blanc, which in just a few years has become one of the three or four greatest dry whites in Bordeaux, thanks to its rich structure and the aromatic nobility of ideally ripe Sauvignon. The red wine requires long aging in the bottle.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

An exceptional vintage produces an exceptional wine, drawing all the power contained in small grapes with a concentration rarely seen in Margaux. The density of the color is impressive, as are the aromas that slowly but surely awaken: classy aging (cedar, vanilla, smoke) slightly spices a very fresh bouquet of red and black fruits, bramble, rose, peony, and paprika. Powerful and concentrated from the outset, lined with tight, powdery tannins, very minty and mouthwatering on the finish, the palate is simply monumental. And astonishingly straightforward despite the high ripeness of the grapes. It will defy the decades. 2030-2055

About the estate:

A myth standing at the end of a long avenue lined with plane trees. The majesty of the neo-Palladian style residence (built in 1810), which replaced an old fortified house belonging to prominent families in the region, contributed to its renown. The estate was established at the end of the 16th century, and the vineyard was created at the end of the following century by a relative of the Pontac family. After passing through several hands over the centuries, it was acquired in 1977 by André Mentzelopoulos (Felix Potin). Drainage, replanting, integrated cooperage... a major renovation of the estate was undertaken, including the vineyard, the winery, and the château, bringing the estate into the modern era. The new winery, designed by Norman Foster, was inaugurated in 2015. The 99-hectare vineyard also owes its quality to its exceptional terroir, a vast and superb limestone slab covered with fine gravel. Since 1980, it has been run by Corinne Mentzelopoulos, André's daughter, who for more than thirty years was able to count on Paul Pontallier, who joined the château in 1983 and became director in 1990: a career that sadly came to a premature end in March 2016. Agricultural engineer Philippe Bascaules, who worked at the château for twenty years before managing a large Californian estate, replaced him in 2017. This wine has never disappointed since its purchase by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977, and easily dominates the entire Margaux appellation. Particularly admirable is the rare combination of finesse in density and freshness in opulence, without any over-ripeness of the grapes, achieved with a very high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Ten hectares planted with white grape varieties produce the Pavillon-Blanc, which in just a few years has become one of the three or four greatest dry whites in Bordeaux, thanks to its rich composition and the aromatic nobility of perfectly ripe Sauvignon. The red wine requires long aging in the bottle to fully express its noble character.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

An iconic figure and director of Château Margaux since 1983, Paul Pontalier passed away shortly after the 2015 harvest. Philippe Bascaules now manages this estate, renowned for its exceptional consistency. Tasting a great Château Margaux at its peak remains a unique experience, as the wine stands out within its appellation for its characteristic floral bouquet, depth of flavor, and silky tannins. The wine owes these characteristics to its superb terroir, composed mainly of gravel, which is so well suited to the Cabernet grapes that form the heart of Margaux, and which has remained virtually unchanged since its classification. Thanks to improvements in working methods and even more rigorous selection, the latest vintages appear to be the most complete yet. The estate also produces a wine called Pavillon Blanc, which, thanks to more stringent requirements in terms of the ripeness of the Sauvignon grapes, has become one of the best white wines in Bordeaux.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

Aromas of dark blueberry and powerfully rich tannins result in a dense, concentrated wine, perhaps the most concentrated ever. The impressive structure of this wine will allow it to age for many years. Drink from 2028. — Roger Voss

Jeb Dunnuck

About wine:

The Grand Vin Château Margaux 2022 is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, sourced from only 40% of the total production. Aged in new barrels, it has a remarkable pH of 3.61, which is low for the vintage, and an alcohol content of 14.3%, with a level of tannins unmatched since 2010. It brings another level of purity, elegance, and finesse that is unmatched. It is quite simply a sensational Margaux and a legend in the making. Blackcurrant, blue berries, spring flowers, pencil lead and violet define the bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, with a complex profile, harmonious texture, and perfect balance. Although it has the ripe, pure, and already accessible style of the vintage, I would not be surprised to see it close up over the next 7 to 8 years, given its density and structure. It will not reach its drinking optimum for another 15 to 20 years.  This should be one of those wines that evolves gracefully over the next 50 to 75 years. 2040-2115

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

The nose approaches gently, light as a butterfly, brushing against the senses before suddenly unfolding all the splendor of its colors and patterns. A concentrated heart of black and red fruits is revealed, enhanced by a stony minerality and a captivating touch of black licorice. Then comes the rose, incandescent red. The palate unfolds like an infinitely tender embrace, enveloping the palate with its sensual texture, revealing all its depth and complexity. The tannins, of unprecedented opulence, bring a fine but assertive structure, pure, like an Apollo whom no one can resist. 2028-2058

Vert de Vin

About wine:

A lovely, elegant, airy, fragrant, delicate, deep nose that offers intensity and lovely maturity. It reveals notes of creamy blackberry, roasted strawberry and, more subtly, violet, combined with hints of creamy red berries, blueberry, blue plum and discreet touches of nutmeg, iris, dry gravel, delicate hints of eucalyptus and spices. The palate is beautifully mineral, fresh, elegant, and delicious, offering a fresh structure, acidity, lovely complexity, a certain brilliance of fruit, suppleness, lovely energy, purity, and beautiful substance. Full-bodied yet refined. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of creamy raspberry and, more subtly, fresh/pulpy purple plum, combined with hints of chocolate, cardamom, toasted almonds, a subtle floral note, elegant roasted berries, and a subtle hint of sweet blond tobacco. The tannins are chalky and elegant. Chewiness on the finish/persistence. Richness and intensity combined with delicacy, precision, and balance.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About wine:

Flowers, flowers, and more flowers permeate the fragrance before revealing all the spices, as well as notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, Cuban cigar, and blackberry. The palate is breathtaking. It's so sexy and sensual that it should be illegal! The fruit coats the mouth with endless layers of flavor that support the palate. The balance between the weight of the motor oil and the perfect intensity is almost surreal. The finish leaves the mark of 60 seconds in the rearview mirror and continues. Greatness in a glass. If you have the budget, this could be the best vintage Château Margaux has ever produced, and that's saying something! This is a unique style for Château Margaux, highlighting its volume and concentration. But as you can see from my notes, I love it! This wine is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The Petit Verdot was entirely allocated to the Pavillon Rouge. Its alcohol content of 14.6% is the highest in the estate's history. Its pH is 3.61. Yields barely reached 25 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was made from only 40% of the harvest. The harvest took place from September 8 to 28, marking one of the earliest starts to a vintage in the estate's history. Best drunk between 2030 and 2065.