Margaux

Release date: 26/4/2024

43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot. 60% barrels (35% new) and 40% amphorae. There is a smart feel to the 2023 Angludet. A nicely ripe attack of red and purple smashed fruit. Plums43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot. 60% barrels (35% new) and 40% amphorae. There is a smart feel to the 2023 Angludet. A nicely ripe attack of red and purple smashed fruit. Plums and strawberries to the fore on the palate and there is great energy. Structured but with quite suave and creamy grip - this is well done. Structured, but with no toughness. An accomplished and satisfying Angludet. Biodynamic.L&S (Apr 2024)

Wafting from the glass with pure aromas of cherries, berries, plums and potpourri, the 2023 Alter Ego de Palmer is medium to full-bodied, bright and vibrant, with a vigorous core of fruit framed byWafting from the glass with pure aromas of cherries, berries, plums and potpourri, the 2023 Alter Ego de Palmer is medium to full-bodied, bright and vibrant, with a vigorous core of fruit framed by supple tannins. It's a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

A crunchy sense to this, with stone, blackcurrant and blackberry character. Medium body. Mineral and spice coming through on the palate. Creamy-textured finish. 48% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot, 7%A crunchy sense to this, with stone, blackcurrant and blackberry character. Medium body. Mineral and spice coming through on the palate. Creamy-textured finish. 48% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, 1% carmenere and 1% petit verdot. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

A great aromatic hit on the opening beats, giving way to silky tannins, spiced plum, rhubarb and slate, cassis and bilberry fruit, all showing depth and intensity. Such an accomplished wine, onceA great aromatic hit on the opening beats, giving way to silky tannins, spiced plum, rhubarb and slate, cassis and bilberry fruit, all showing depth and intensity. Such an accomplished wine, once again showing how it's done. 100% new oak for malolactic and ageing, 8 coopers, 28 different toasts. 45.7hl/h yields, which is generous for this vintage in the Margaux appellation. Harvest September 14 to October 2. 3.59ph. Drinking range: 2032 - 2050 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Impressive precision to this, offering blackcurrants, blackberries and cherries, as well as hints of cedar and dark fruit. Medium to full body. Creamy and fine tannins. Better than 2022.Impressive precision to this, offering blackcurrants, blackberries and cherries, as well as hints of cedar and dark fruit. Medium to full body. Creamy and fine tannins. Better than 2022. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

The grand vin is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 2.5% each Cabernet Franc and Malbec. This is not the highest proportion of Cabernet ever, but it comes close. This takes 50% of the crop inThe grand vin is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 2.5% each Cabernet Franc and Malbec. This is not the highest proportion of Cabernet ever, but it comes close. This takes 50% of the crop in this vintage, from vines inside and outside the clos. A very impressive nose here, perfumed and fresh, with crushed chalk and currant fruits, with a fresh and defined sense of lift which feels immediately reminiscent of the 2016 vintage. The palate follows on in exactly the same vein, with supple and delicately creamed wild berry and griottes, with a supple texture and poise, and a fine grip. Beautiful linearity, seamless polish, texture and confidence, with a fine wrapping of ripe and tightly knit tannins. A fabulous d’Issan here, with freshness and longevity. One for the cellar. The alcohol is 13.83% on analysis. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

A dark and lightly toasted core of fruit on the nose, with a little suggestion of a leafy and peppery freshness. A fresh and delicately peppered start to the palate as well, with a somewhat loose andA dark and lightly toasted core of fruit on the nose, with a little suggestion of a leafy and peppery freshness. A fresh and delicately peppered start to the palate as well, with a somewhat loose and open texture, the rather ephemeral blanket of fruit draped lightly over a modestly firm frame of tannins and equally firm acidity. Sappy and rather fresh in the end, with a spicy energy, this du Tertre does not remind me of the great vintages I have tasted from this property in the past. It is still an improvement on some more recent efforts though, so the new owners should keep up the good work here. Rating: 88-90 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Wonderfully fragrant aromatics that climb through the palate, this has the juice and power that 2023 does so well in the right hads, majoring on squid ink and cassis, with clear expansion through theWonderfully fragrant aromatics that climb through the palate, this has the juice and power that 2023 does so well in the right hads, majoring on squid ink and cassis, with clear expansion through the palate, liqourice, sage, saffron, pomegrante, orange zest and salt-scrape. Harvest September 11 to October 4, 35hl/h yield, 3.66ph, 66% new oak, 33% amphoras for ageing. Right up there with the best of Margaux. Drinking range: 2033 - 2048 Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

The 2023 Ferrière is a strong effort, bursting with aromas of dark berries, spices and boot polish, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate with a broad attack, good depth atThe 2023 Ferrière is a strong effort, bursting with aromas of dark berries, spices and boot polish, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate with a broad attack, good depth at the core and sweet structuring tannins. It's a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3.5% Petit Verdot and a touch of Cabernet Franc. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Inky, expertly constructed, fleshy blackberry, pomegranate and cassis fruits, black pepper, sage, rosemary and smoked cumin spice, with lift, nuance and momentum through the palate, clearly anInky, expertly constructed, fleshy blackberry, pomegranate and cassis fruits, black pepper, sage, rosemary and smoked cumin spice, with lift, nuance and momentum through the palate, clearly an excellent vintage at Giscours, although relatively low 31hl/ha yields. Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

The 2023 Kirwan is dense, resonant and impeccably balanced. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, menthol, spice and lavender are all dialed up in this decidedly intense Margaux. Kirwan packs quiteThe 2023 Kirwan is dense, resonant and impeccably balanced. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, menthol, spice and lavender are all dialed up in this decidedly intense Margaux. Kirwan packs quite the punch, but it is also neatly proportioned, not to mention incredibly delicious. Drinking range: 2031 - 2053 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

A fresh and focused red with a medium body and fine tannins. It’s crunchy, with good fruit concentration in the center-palate, showing plum and redcurrant highlights. Bright and firm at the end. FromA fresh and focused red with a medium body and fine tannins. It’s crunchy, with good fruit concentration in the center-palate, showing plum and redcurrant highlights. Bright and firm at the end. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

The aromatics here feel weighed down by lightly caramelised oak and toast from the barrels. Unsurprisingly the palate also presents a rather rich core of oak-infused texture, with a peppery vein ofThe aromatics here feel weighed down by lightly caramelised oak and toast from the barrels. Unsurprisingly the palate also presents a rather rich core of oak-infused texture, with a peppery vein of acidity slicing though it all. The texture feels modestly polished and fresh, with rather low-key layers of dark berry and currant fruits, with liquorice, salted olive and black pepper, all supported by tightly integrated tannins and that fresh acidity which pushes the wine through the middle. This works well, showing a coherent composition and rich grip. A success for Labégorce in this vintage. Tasted twice. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

This is the first time for many years that we have listed Lascombes en primeur, and it's all down to the arrival here of Axel Heinz in March 2023. Heinz, having been the inspiration behindThis is the first time for many years that we have listed Lascombes en primeur, and it's all down to the arrival here of Axel Heinz in March 2023. Heinz, having been the inspiration behind Ornellaia and Masseto since 2006, was a huge catch for the new owners of the estate. Heinz has turned the whole ethos upside down and we can expect this 2nd growth to begin to regain its rightful place - the 2023 is hopefully just the first step, but it's a big one.L&S (Apr 2024)

One of the most suave, classy vintages from this estate in some years, the 2023 Malescot St. Exupery is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Wafting from the glass withOne of the most suave, classy vintages from this estate in some years, the 2023 Malescot St. Exupery is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, berries, licorice and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with good depth at the core, supple tannins and a harmonious, integrated profile. Part of the blend is maturing in foudre. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

The grand vin is 41% of production, and the blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, essentially a little less Merlot, a little more Cabernet Franc, whichThe grand vin is 41% of production, and the blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, essentially a little less Merlot, a little more Cabernet Franc, which Philippe plans to be the norm going forward. Beautiful griottes, dark chocolate, peony and rose petals on the nose, with touches of toast. This precedes a palate which is rich, polished, charming, elegant and light-footed, with a polished and sinewy substance, supported by a dense and supremely ripe, seamless tannins, wrapped around a core of bright and acid-fresh dark summer fruits. There is a floral edge to it as well, but it hides a rich structure and a confident finish naturally follows, where the tannins shine through. So harmonious and pure, this is a quite brilliant Margaux, with just an effortless composition. A classically styled wine, which is very representative of the terroir; a Margaux for Margaux lovers. Top work. The alcohol is 13.1% on analysis. Rating: 97-99 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

A rather tense but richly expressed style of fruit on the nose, with smoky bramble fruits, toast and dusty rose petal notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, this shows a rather tense, silky but alsoA rather tense but richly expressed style of fruit on the nose, with smoky bramble fruits, toast and dusty rose petal notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, this shows a rather tense, silky but also charming texture, supporting a core of peppery wild berries, rose petals and creamed raspberry. A modest but rather taut composition, textured but fresh with plenty of enlivening acidity, this finishes with a flourish of dry and well-knit tannic grip which dominates the end of the palate. A confident showing from both samples, with texture and ripe depth,. Surely this is going places. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Marquis de Terme is a dense, powerful Margaux. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, espresso and cloves are all amplified, lending the 2023 tons of textural volume and richness. AllThe 2023 Marquis de Terme is a dense, powerful Margaux. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, espresso and cloves are all amplified, lending the 2023 tons of textural volume and richness. All the elements are so well balanced. This is a fine vintage for Marquis de Terme, a wine that has improved markedly in recent years. Tasted three times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Fresh, crunchy-fruit character here, with red and dark berries and floral nuances. Some citrus peel, too. It’s medium-bodied with lively tannins that are polished and firm. Bright and juicy finish.Fresh, crunchy-fruit character here, with red and dark berries and floral nuances. Some citrus peel, too. It’s medium-bodied with lively tannins that are polished and firm. Bright and juicy finish. Rating: 91-92 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Director Thomas Duroux and his team elected to harvest late in pursuit of full maturity, beginning with the Merlot on September 11 and finishing the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 5 to produce aDirector Thomas Duroux and his team elected to harvest late in pursuit of full maturity, beginning with the Merlot on September 11 and finishing the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 5 to produce a beautiful 2023 Palmer, redolent of cherries, wild berries, rose petals and violets. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, it's medium to full-bodied, plush and enveloping, with a cool core of fruit, succulent acids, ultra-refined tannins and a seamless, complete profile. Rating: 96-97 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

A very fine and polished PL with blackcurrant, fresh-herb, terracotta and crunchy-seed character. Medium body, fine and focused tannins and a flavorful finish. Lots there in a classic way.A very fine and polished PL with blackcurrant, fresh-herb, terracotta and crunchy-seed character. Medium body, fine and focused tannins and a flavorful finish. Lots there in a classic way. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

The blend of Rauzan-Ségla is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot and 1.5% Petit Verdot, the highest ever percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, an assemblage driven by the mildew, as the mildew-hitThe blend of Rauzan-Ségla is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot and 1.5% Petit Verdot, the highest ever percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, an assemblage driven by the mildew, as the mildew-hit Merlot was dropped during the season. The yield was 30 hl/ha, significantly down from the norm, with 60% in the grand vin. A very pure and linear presentation on the nose, with violets over black fruits, especially black cherry and blackcurrant, smoked with minerals and floral elements, and tinged with charcoal and toast. An immediate sense of appeal on the palate here, a delicious sense of harmony, with lightly sinewy forest fruits, bramble and wild black cherry, set in a modest texture, and underpinned by the rich but powdery tannins of the vintage. Supple, correct, elegant, with great drive and the freshness of the vintage, this is a fine Rauzan-Ségla which broadens out on the finish. Tasted twice. The alcohol is 13.5%. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

This takes 30% of the crop, and the blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, principally because Merlot volumes were lower, so it appears less in bothThis takes 30% of the crop, and the blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, principally because Merlot volumes were lower, so it appears less in both cuvées. The sample was drawn from three barrels, and it is worth noting that they use different barrels each week, so the sample changes throughout the primeurs tasting period. The aromatics suggest a beautiful purity which calls to mind crushed chalk and pencil shavings, and not for the first time in this appellation I find an aromatic profile which reminds me very much of the 2016 vintage. It has a lovely cherry, raspberry and peony purity, which translates into a seamless and composed palate, with layers of griottes, raspberry, dark chocolate, violets and toast, with a very polished substance and a fine grip of tannins. Delicious vigour, purity and freshness here; this is a great Pavillon Rouge in the making. One for the cellar. Preferably my cellar. The alcohol on analysis is 13.3%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)