Chateau Margaux 2016

The complexity of an exceptional Margaux red wine

The estate

With origins dating back to the 12th century, Chateau Margaux is one of the Grands Crus that exemplifies the legend of fine Bordeaux wines throughout the world. In 1855, the chateau was awarded the title of Premier Grand Cru Classe and was the only one of the four contenders to have obtained an impeccable twenty out of twenty score. Following the acquisition of the estate by André Mentzelopoulos in 1977, Chateau Margaux began a new chapter in its history. Elevating the Chateau Margaux Grand Vin to the highest level, he reintroduced the chateau’s Second Vin, Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, which was produced from 1908. Following in her father's footsteps and due to his premature passing, Corinne Mentzelopoulos took over the running of her family’s estate with the drive and determination to preserve the rank of Chateau Margaux, which has become a true Bordeaux masterpiece, so recognisable by its Neo-Palladian style. Vintage after vintage, the estate's wines are among the greatest in the world.

The vineyard

Chateau Margaux’ vineyard is distinctive due to its rare and unique terroir, situated on a small gravel hill. The estate's grape varieties are mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, and also includes Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The estate’s clay-limestone soils result in legendary vintages, with a sophisticated and sensual appearance, truly representative of the Margaux appellation.

The wine

A successor to the 2015 Chateau Margaux bottle, the prestigious estate has chosen a new, darker packaging to adorn its bottles from the 2016 vintage onwards. The capsules have been altered and are now a matt brown color. The new font chosen for the writing is inspired by the one used in 1865. Modernising the presentation of Chateau Margaux’ Grand Vin also affects the packaging. The 6-bottle cases are now made of radiata pine and the top of the case is stamped with the Chateau Margaux logo.

The vintage

The exceptional weather conditions of 2016 helped to forge the identity of a very great vintage. The dry, hot summer helped the grapes to ripen beautifully, while keeping the fruit fresh and acidic thanks to the alternation between hot days and cool nights during September. The 2016 harvest, which began on September 23rd and ended on October 18th, was the most spread out in the history of the estate.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (94%)

Cabernet Franc (3%)

Merlot (2%)

Petit Verdot (1%).

Chateau Margaux 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

The result of a masterful process, this Chateau Margaux 2016 has the complex and deep aromatic signature that is the hallmark of fine vintages.

As the saying goes, "great wines stem from great terroirs". The technical teams’ perfect understanding of each plot at Chateau Margaux and an uncompromising selection of the best grapes have revealed the expression of this exceptional terroir by transcribing the typicity of the grape varieties used in the blend. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, grew on very beautiful plots of land on the estate, brings an indisputable elegance. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties give the wine a great aromatic complexity, softening the structure of the tannins. The final touch of Petit Verdot guarantees a remarkable density and volume on the palate.