Chateau Margaux 2004

The precision and balance of a great Margaux wine

The estate

With origins dating back to the 12th century, Château Margaux is among those Grands Crus that have built the legend of the great wines of Bordeaux around the world. In 1855, the château was elevated to the rank of First Growth and was the only one of the four châteaux presented to receive a perfect score of twenty out of twenty. With the acquisition of the estate in 1977 by André Mentzelopoulos, Château Margaux began a new chapter in its history. Elevating the Grand Vin of Château Margaux to the highest level, he reintroduced the estate’s Second Wine, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, first initiated in 1908. Following in her father’s footsteps after his untimely passing, Corinne Mentzelopoulos took up the family standard with energy and passion to preserve the standing of Château Margaux, which had become a Bordeaux masterpiece, instantly recognizable by its Neo-Palladian silhouette. Vintage after vintage, the estate’s wines rank among the greatest in the world.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Margaux owes its uniqueness to its rare and singular terroir, situated on a gravel mound. The estate’s varietal makeup gives pride of place to Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc also present. The clay-limestone soils of the estate give rise to legendary wines with a refined and sensual character, so representative of the Margaux appellation.

The vintage

After a late budbreak, a cool and rather dry spring gave way at the end of May to rising temperatures and an early, lasting drought. A swift flowering and exemplary fruit set confirmed the prospect of a generous harvest. The summer, without excess—neither heat nor rain—maintained all its promises until the end of August, heralding a great vintage. September, warm and dry, proved decisive: it provided all grape varieties with steady, fully achieved ripening.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (79%), Merlot (10%), Petit Verdot (7%), Cabernet Franc (4%).

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for Château Margaux 2004

Tasting

Nose
The nose offers great finesse and beautiful purity. A subtle combination of floral, fruity, and spicy aromas unfolds, with none dominating the whole.

Palate
The palate reveals a taut, compact, fine, and tender tannic structure. This wine conveys an impression of balance, precision, purity, and freshness characteristic of great vintages. It develops an airy grace specific to the greatest Margaux.