2001 - Margaux, Margaux

The 2001 Château Margaux, last tasted five years previously, is slightly deeper in color compared with the 2001 Pavillon. Featuring black plum, raspberry and touches of orange peel, rose petal and light bay leaf aromas, the bouquet is not intense, but it is well defined and focused. The palate is fresh on the entry with fine-boned tannins and a taut line of acidity – a strict Château Margaux that doesn’t want to muck about. It’s little short on the finish, yet sophisticated and providing unadulterated buvabilité. Drinking perfectly now, and it will be enjoyable over the next 15–20 years.

Mid ruby. Great depth and richness and complexity – and yet this manages to be racy and delicate too. Real lift and freshness – thoroughbred stuff. The hedonistic fruit cunningly disguises what is still a heavy charge of tannin. Great persistence. A haunting wine. (JR)