Château Margaux 2020

So floral and fragrant! Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberries and a note of asphalt. Full-bodied with super fine tannins. Extremely refined, intense, with very nice length. A wonderful combination of refinement and power is already evident. Superb finish. Another great Margaux!

A brilliant Margaux; one that takes a sigh and then releases the huge floral, eucalyptus and crushed mint whoosh that comes in waves though the palate. You get the concentration of the vintage in an entirely positive light, with a suave softness to the tannins that makes it stand head and shoulders above many others. Plenty in common with the 1996 vintage - the knitted down tannins, the completeness, the juicy blackcurrant purity and acidity on the finish, and the certainty of long aging. Real clarity of flavor. Alcohol level is lower than both the 2018 and 2019, but tannins and anthocyanins are at the same level as in 2018. 36% of overall harvest, and 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. A yield of 36hl/ha. 98-100.

Displaying an opaque purple-black color, it needs a lot of air, time and patience to coax out the youthfully reticent nose of blueberry preserves, blackcurrant pastilles and Black Forest cake, followed by suggestions of lavender, clove oil, iron ore and menthol with wafts of star anise and candied violets. The medium to full-bodied palate is wonderfully opulent, featuring tightly wound yet beautifully pure layers of black fruits and earthy nuances within a solid structure of firm yet velvety tannins and exhilarating freshness, finishing with very long-lingering earth and mineral notes. Another stunning expression of the vintage by Philippe Bascaules and his team—bravo!

It is the finesse and subtlety that mark the olfactory character of Château Margaux 2020. Inviting nuances of red berries, cherries and peppermint. With aeration, the bouquet gains even more complexity. It displays earthy notes, cocoa beans and a touch of blond tobacco. Precise, compact and elegant attack. The wine has body, power and the tannins have superb grain finesse. Perfect harmony between the tannic power and the freshness of the acidity. A Château Margaux which positions itself with serenity, strength and elegance. In summary, it's a great classic! 2027-2050