2025 Margaux

89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
2025 saw the lowest production of Chateau Margaux since – wait for it – 1856, through a combination of the vintage conditions and very rigorous selection for the grand vin. ‘We only used the amazing plots for Chateau Margaux itself.’ Budbreak and flowering went well, with no coulure or millerandage, a clear marker of a potential great vintage. But there were few buds to begin with, as a knock-on from flowering in the very challenging 2024 vintage. That would mean few flowers, which in turn would mean few grapes. Summer was very dry, which meant small grapes with think skins and less but concentrated juice. To some extent heatwaves held photosynthesis in check, which reined in the potential alcohol levels, but nevertheless by the end of August vineyard managers were alarmed by the high potential alcohol. Younger vines (with shallower root systems) struggled to reach water reserves in the ground, and wouldn’t make it to the grand vin. Rain at the end of August and the start of September finally refreshed the vines and brought alcohol levels down to more digestible numbers: at 13.8%, Chateau Margaux is actually one of the most alcoholic left bank wines in the 2025 vintage. 2025 Chateau Margaux clocks in at 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It opens as a pure and focussed wall of black and red fruit, peony and river rock. There is no sense of the heat of the vintage, but the tannins are imposing and there is a powerful line of acidity. Nothing is out of place in this monumental but seamlessly composed wine. (NT 15/05/26)