Chateau Margaux 2022

WEINWISSER: "92 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 6 % Merlot, 2 % Cabernet Franc, 14.5 Vol.-%, 40 % Grand Vin. Tiefgründiges blaubeeriges Bouquet, Flieder- und Veilchenparfüm, dahinter erkalteter Earl-Grey-Tee, schwarzer tasmanischer Bergpfeffer und Holundergelee. Am sublimen Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, tänzerischer Rasse, die unglaublichen Halt und Straffheit verleiht, tiefschürfender Mineralik und muskulösem Körper. Im konzentrierten, nicht enden wollenden Finale Wildkirsche, dunkles Edelholz – lebt von seiner Finesse, eine Delikatesse mit royaler Adstringenz. Wird in seiner perfekten Trinkreife die Höchstnote erreichen. „Es ist kein Petit Verdot im Blend, da genügend Konzentration vorhanden" fasst Direktor Philippe Bascaules zusammen. Setzt sich dieses Jahr zu Recht die Krone in der Appellation Margaux auf! 19.5+/20 2030 – 2065."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Schwarze KIrschen, Cassis, dunkle Waldbeeren, einladende Gewürznuancen, kandierte Orangenzesten, sehr verführerisch. Stoffig, schwarze Herzkirschen, seidige Tannine, die dem Wein eine enrome Länge gaben, salzige Mineralität, bleibt minutenlang haften, tolles Reifepotenzial, setzt ohne Zweifel neue Maßstäbe für Margaux."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The bushel of red and black fruits initially get your attention before discovering all the violets, white flowers, cedar, and cigar box aromas in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is silky, sensuous, rich, and almost viscous."

DECANTER: "A stunning Margaux in 2022 with a bright and vibrant core, deep and persistent, alive and bright with layers of silky but firm tannins that give a gentle grip, powerful and concentrated black fruit, with a clearly defined structure that supports and doesn't overwhelm. Despite the power this has a delicacy which I love, so pure and clearly charming. Opulent yet racy, really walking the line between heft and sleekness. The acidity really lifts the expression with spiced liquorice and wet stone nuances while staying cool and fresh. Generous, stylish, punchy and polished. An incredibly complex wine that really works. 3.6pH. 88IPT. 18% press wine. Ageing 18-20 months, 100% new oak. No Petit Verdot in the blend. Highest alcohol and tannin level for the grand vin."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The Grand Vin 2022 Château Margaux checks in as 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc that's pulled from just 40% of the total production. It's a classic Château Margaux with its overriding sense of elegance and purity, yet it's certainly in the style of the vintage with its depth, richness, and concentration. Cassis, blueberries, acacia flowers, and spice all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless, layered mouthfeel, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. The alcohol hit 14.5, and I suspect the pH is relatively high (which is common in the vintage), yet this remains pure, balanced, and is absolutely show-stopping stuff."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: „The 2022 Chateau Margaux, composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It shoots from the glass with an initial firework display of redcurrant jelly, blackberry pie, and fresh, juicy blackcurrants, followed by an array of iron ore, lilacs, black licorice, and sandalwood-inspired scents, plus a hint of wood smoke. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with rich, concentrated, muscular black and red fruits, supported by exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and fragrant. This is a jaw-droppingly gorgeous effort that should be immortal. This represents 40% of the crop. "It's been a long time since this much has made it into the First Wine!" commented winemaker Phillipe Bascaules. The pH is 3.61."

VINUM: "Der Ansatz eines vollblütigen Weins von geradezu kalifornischen Dimensionen, doch mit extrem eleganter Entwicklung über Gerbstoffen von edlem Schliff, superbe Länge und Tiefe."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, 2022 Château Margaux is one of the most powerful wines ever produced at this estate, wafting from the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, dark berries, violets, burning embers, smoked tea and exotic spices. Full-bodied, deep and layered, it's rich, velvety and seamless, with a bright core of fruit and a long, heady finish. With the highest analytical measure of tannins since 2010, and an alcohol level a touch above 14%, this is certainly a larger-scaled Château Margaux, yet at this early stage, everything appears to be kept in check."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Very dark purple color with a ruby edge. So much crushed blackberry and blackcurrant with violets. Exuberant. Full-bodied and very tannic with incredible muscle. This is a thought-provoking wine. The biggest Margaux I have tasted in my career. Seems a little overdone for Margaux. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 6% merlot and 2% petit verdot."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Deep colour to the rim. Attractive berry-fruit aromas with a vanilla edge. Oak subtly present, as yet not fully integrated. Finer texture than Pavillon, the tannins both powerful and smooth. Plenty of drive and length. Slight glow of alcohol on the finish. A bigger wine than usual. Needs time to knit."