This is a quintessentially elegant Margaux, with a dense ruby/purple color and notes of charcoal, cassis, a hint of smoking embers, and a subtle touch of spring flower garden. Dense on the palate with medium to full-bodied flavors, superb concentration, and moderate tannin, this wine requires patience, but is impeccably well-made as usual. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2024.
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot. 18 months in new French oak. Consultant Michel Rolland.
Smoky and so dense there is little aroma at the moment but hints of ripe black fruit and some cassis leaf. Like its stablemate Clos Margalaine, very rich, very firm but a caricature of Margaux. Given the density and power of firm tannins in the middle it finishes surprisingly fresh however.
This tiny garagiste superstar is made by Jean-Luc Thunevin’s partner, Murielle Andraud. The sensational 2006 exhibits an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a gorgeously intense perfume of lead pencil shavings interwoven with floral, blueberry, espresso roast, and licorice characteristics. Deep, supple-textured, and opulent with stunning concentration as well as sweet tannin in the finish, it should be accessible in 3-4 years, and drink well for two decades.
