2015 - Margaux, Margaux

Expansive, fleshy raspberry and damson fruits that narrow through the palate as the minerality, slate and crushed rock texture comes to the fore. Expertly put together, showing beautifully at the 10 year point but with a long life ahead, this is exceptional, the definition of soft power. The bottle is engraved with Hommage à Paul Pontallier, as this was the final vintage for Margaux's legendary director (it also marked the opening of the new cellar, although the second vintage for vinifying within it). This was a 100 point for me En Primeur and continues to deliver at the highest level. 100% new oak for ageing.

The 2015 Château Margaux, which comes in a quite stunning engraved bottle, has an equally stunning bouquet with blackberry, pencil box and light sous-bois scents, less minty than I noticed a few years ago. The palate has exquisite balance and poise, fresh red and black fruit commingling, curry leaf and light tobacco notes emerging toward the poised, almost understated finish. Utter class. Tasted at the 2015 Ten-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index.

Chateau Margaux 2015 has a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot and is deep garnet in color. It is very closed and shy to begin, eventually opening out to beautiful warm cassis, black raspberries, and notes of dried mulberries, followed by hints of tobacco leaf, crushed rocks, and dried lavender, with a touch of Ceylon tea. The medium to full-bodied palate is rich and seductive, featuring grainy tannins and bright, bold acidity, finishing epically long and layered. The tannins are just a touch "al dente" compared with the 2016, but this is nonetheless gorgeous. This vintage is packaged in a beautiful commemorative bottle honoring winemaker Paul Pontellier, who passed away in 2016. The gold-etched black bottle bears the message, “Hommage à Paul Pontellier” at the bottom. This 2015 is an evocative swan song from a gifted winemaker, taken from us too soon.