Margaux

Release date: 7/6/2024

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)

Release date: 6/6/2024

The 2023 Château Margaux is fabulous. Sensual, silky and exceptionally polished, the 2023 Château Margaux is shaping up to be a classic. Seamless, silky tannins wrap around a core of darkThe 2023 Château Margaux is fabulous. Sensual, silky and exceptionally polished, the 2023 Château Margaux is shaping up to be a classic. Seamless, silky tannins wrap around a core of dark red/purplish fruit. Hints of spice, new leather, menthol, licorice and rose petal fill out the glass. There's a bit of new oak peeking through today, but that won't be an issue in a few years' time. Only Bordeaux can produce wines that offer so much flavor intensity at a low alcohols. Margaux is the least showy of the First Growths, but it is often the most refined. The 2023 is sublime. Drinking range: 2033 - 2073 Rating: 97-100 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 6/6/2024

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)

Release date: 5/6/2024

Inkier and more luscious in texture than the Ségla, this has rich layers to its aromatic palate, showing rhubarb, savoury cassis and blueberry, peony, rose petals, soot, gunsmoke, graphite, flint,Inkier and more luscious in texture than the Ségla, this has rich layers to its aromatic palate, showing rhubarb, savoury cassis and blueberry, peony, rose petals, soot, gunsmoke, graphite, flint, weight and texture, spiralling upwards. Wonderful expression of a wine that seems supremely Margaux and supremely Rauzan Ségla. 50% new oak. Drinking range: 2032 - 2048 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 Giscours is the very best wine I have ever tasted here. Giscours has been knocking on the door of Bordeaux's elite for a few years now. Two thousand twenty-three is the year in whichThe 2023 Giscours is the very best wine I have ever tasted here. Giscours has been knocking on the door of Bordeaux's elite for a few years now. Two thousand twenty-three is the year in which Giscours joins the region's big boys and girls. A towering, majestic Margaux, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. What a wine! Drinking range: 2030 - 2063 Rating: 96-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

More reserved and understated than the Alter Ego on the first nose, with touch of gumoke reduction, but it doesn't take long to understand that this Palmer is full of coiled energy and lift. A ton ofMore reserved and understated than the Alter Ego on the first nose, with touch of gumoke reduction, but it doesn't take long to understand that this Palmer is full of coiled energy and lift. A ton of graphite, crushed rocks, crushed roses and peonies come in waves of aromatics through the palate, along with clearly defined and sculpted blue and red fruits. There is spice too, and a sense of momentum. 32hl/h yield, 55% new oak for ageing during the first year; with the wine then moving in moves into 3000l oak casks for the second year. Drinking range: 2032 - 2048 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

This takes one-third of the crop, and the blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, very similar to the grand vin, from the usual Alter Ego vineyards, which have lighter soils.This takes one-third of the crop, and the blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, very similar to the grand vin, from the usual Alter Ego vineyards, which have lighter soils. Beautifully pure, dark yet fresh and expressive aromatics, with violets, blackcurrants, blackberries and liquorice, but it is that dark floral perfume which dominates. It is very Palmer in style, but also very Margaux. The palate seduces with beautiful texture, dark fruits, fresh floral nuances. The structure is very fine, deeply buried in the wine, with a lovely tense grip which only shows right at the finish, supported by fresh acidity. Great vivacity and build, wonderful freshness, and great length too. This is a superb Alter Ego; pour this blind and you might not be sure whether you were drinking Alter Ego or the grand vin. The alcohol is 13.9%. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

Sweet black cherry aromatics, soft overall, a little smoky with red liquorice and cedar, soft on the finish. 30% new oak for ageing, 40hl/ha yields.Sweet black cherry aromatics, soft overall, a little smoky with red liquorice and cedar, soft on the finish. 30% new oak for ageing, 40hl/ha yields. Drinking range: 2027 - 2037 Rating: 87 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

The 2023 Cantenac Brown is concentrated, ample and generous right out of the gate. Blackberry, incense, new leather, tobacco, menthol and chocolate are all amplified to the maximum. As is often theThe 2023 Cantenac Brown is concentrated, ample and generous right out of the gate. Blackberry, incense, new leather, tobacco, menthol and chocolate are all amplified to the maximum. As is often the case, Cantenac Brown is one of the more extroverted wines in Margaux. It's a style that works so well. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2023 needs time to shed some of its baby fat. Drinking range: 2033 - 2063 Rating: 93-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

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)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Baron de Brane once again sets the bar high once again in terms of 2nd wines, with fragrant floral aromatics, nuance and depth from the attack and continuing through the mid palate, firm atannins andBaron de Brane once again sets the bar high once again in terms of 2nd wines, with fragrant floral aromatics, nuance and depth from the attack and continuing through the mid palate, firm atannins and concentrated black fruits. 20% new oak. Drinking range: 2028 - 2038 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

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)

Release date: 21/5/2024

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)

Release date: 21/5/2024

Very pure fruit here, showing blackberries and black cherries, as well as hints of walnuts. Medium body. The tannins are fine-grained and well integrated. I like the concentration on theVery pure fruit here, showing blackberries and black cherries, as well as hints of walnuts. Medium body. The tannins are fine-grained and well integrated. I like the concentration on the center-palate and the freshness on the finish. It’s structured and long, with lively fruit and a hint of salt at the end. Minerally. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 3.5% petit verdot and 0.5% cabernet franc. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The 2023 Durfort-Vivens is a very pretty, understated wine. In 2023, Durfort is marked by a brighter profile than usual: red fruit, blood orange and flowers. Medium in body and persistent, with goodThe 2023 Durfort-Vivens is a very pretty, understated wine. In 2023, Durfort is marked by a brighter profile than usual: red fruit, blood orange and flowers. Medium in body and persistent, with good energy and very fine balance, the 2023 is promising. Even though it’s showing a touch of oak at this stage, this layered and sumptuous offering is showing well. Drinking range: 2031 - 2053 Rating: 92-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 17/5/2024

The 2023 du Tertre is deep, powerful and resonant right out of the gate. Dark-toned fruit, chocolate, lavender, mocha and dried herbs are broadly sketched. This heady, layered Margaux is certainlyThe 2023 du Tertre is deep, powerful and resonant right out of the gate. Dark-toned fruit, chocolate, lavender, mocha and dried herbs are broadly sketched. This heady, layered Margaux is certainly not shy. All it could use is a bit more polish in its contours. Drinking range: 2030 - 2053 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 16/5/2024

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)

Release date: 15/5/2024

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)

Release date: 15/5/2024

Well structured, deliciously fragrant rosebud and tomato leaf on the opening, this treads lightly at first and then builds in structure and and power through the palate, widening to show creamyWell structured, deliciously fragrant rosebud and tomato leaf on the opening, this treads lightly at first and then builds in structure and and power through the palate, widening to show creamy raspberry and damson fruit, with a saline kick on the finish. An excellent quality estate that is always worth checking in with. 35% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

Grip and tension, with tomato leaf, peony, lemongrass, slate, pummice stone, spiced plum and damson fruit, not the ink of the Cabernet in the northern Médoc, but caressing and full of fragrantGrip and tension, with tomato leaf, peony, lemongrass, slate, pummice stone, spiced plum and damson fruit, not the ink of the Cabernet in the northern Médoc, but caressing and full of fragrant pleasure. 45% new oak for ageing, and proof again that this estate is becoming one of the quiet scene-stealers of the Margaux appellation. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

The 2023 Labégorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with veryThe 2023 Labégorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth. Drinking range: 2027 - 2049 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

This shows notes of ripe dark berries with hints of licorice and orange peel. It’s very polished and refined with a solid center-palate. Medium-bodied and creamy on the finish.This shows notes of ripe dark berries with hints of licorice and orange peel. It’s very polished and refined with a solid center-palate. Medium-bodied and creamy on the finish. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)