Jane Anson Review:
This has grip and poise, it edges forward with slate textured tannins, not givin too much away at first, but sit with it, because the future brilliance of this Margaux is there to be seen if you take your time. It displays a seriousness of intent that sets it apart in expression from vintages like the 2018, and has dense and powerful red and black fruits along with supple and plentiful tannins that have no intention of relinquishing their hold for decades to come. Gingerbread, liqourice root, grilled sandalwood, red peppers, mint leaf and peony flowers add waves of complexity as it widens and softens through the mid palate, along with raspberry puree and edges of patisserie cream. A Margaux for the ages. 100% new oak, 36hl/h yield after the dry summer.
SCORE 100
The Grand Vin of Château Margaux 2020 follows in the footsteps of those of 2018 and 2019. It is very rare for three consecutive years in Bordeaux to be so homogenous and of such high quality.
The final blend is very similar to those of the most recent vintages: Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 89% of the blend, completed by 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The Grand Vin represents 36% of the harvest. There is a perfect balance between the density and the fineness of its tannins.
Several factors contributed to making this a superb wine: homogenous flowering, summer conditions that favoured small berries and therefore concentrated wines, and excellent harvesting conditions. Only the yield was not as we had hoped. The fertility of the grape varieties was lower than in previous years, with 1.6 bunches per shoot, compared to 2 in 2019. The average yield on the estate was therefore 36 hl/ha. (April 2019)
