Château Margaux 2010

The freshness and complexity of a Premier Grand Cru Classé from Margaux

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 attained the status of Premier Grand Cru Classé 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 launched in 1908. Following in her father’s footsteps after his untimely passing, Corinne Mentzelopoulos took up the family banner with energy and passion to preserve the standing of Château Margaux, now a Bordeaux masterpiece, instantly recognizable by its Neo-Palladian style. 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 distinctive terroir, located on a gravelly mound. The estate’s varietal mix gives pride of place to Cabernet Sauvignon, without forgetting Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The clay-limestone soils of the property give rise to legendary wines, with a refined and sensual character, so representative of the Margaux appellation.

The vintage

The cold, dry winter delayed the vine’s awakening, and a capricious spring led to uneven flowering, with a bit of coulure in the old Merlot vines. On the great terroirs, however, the vine held steady: a rapid, even, impeccable flowering, driven by Cabernet vines naturally less sensitive to these vagaries. From the end of June through harvest, a measured “Bordeaux-style” drought set in, favorable to ripening and concentration, recalling 2005 or 2009. But 2010 had its own rhythm: just as dry, yet cooler, without heatwaves, with consistently mild nights. This freshness tamed the drought, elevated certain young vines, amplified the aromas — with Sauvignon Blancs and Cabernets leading the way — and preserved a beautiful acidity, the ideal counterpoint to high alcohol levels. Harvest began on September 22.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (90%)
Merlot (7%)
Cabernet Franc (1.5%)
Petit Verdot (1.5%).

Tasting characteristics and advice for Château Margaux 2010

Tasting

Counting among the estate’s great vintages, this Château Margaux 2010 deftly and with great purity blends power with a silky touch and a rare aromatic palette. Its finish delights with its creaminess and freshness.