The 2023 Chateau Margaux is a Bordeaux Blend from the renowned Chateau Margaux in the Bordeaux region of France. This red wine, bottled with a cork closure, has garnered considerable acclaim from a range of professional reviewers.
James Suckling awarded the wine a near-perfect score of 100 points, describing it as "one of the wines of the vintage." Suckling noted the primary aromas reminiscent of "grape must fermenting in the vat," which evolve into "perfumes and flowers" like violets and roses. He praised its full-bodied yet agile and bright nature, highlighting the vivid acidity that makes the wine "crunchy and linear."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the wine highly with a score of 97 points. William Kelley remarked on the wine's "considerable promise," noting its aromas of "cassis, violets, spring flowers, and sweet tobacco." Kelley described it as medium to full-bodied, deep, and layered, with "sweet, refined tannins and lively acids."
Vinous, represented by Antonio Galloni, gave the wine a perfect score, describing it as "fabulous" and "exceptionally polished." Galloni highlighted the "seamless, silky tannins" and a core of "dark red/purplish fruit," with hints of spice, new leather, menthol, licorice, and rose petal.
Jane Anson, giving the wine a score of 98, described its "vibrant peony and ruby red color" and noted the "complex bloom of lavender and white rose flowers." She emphasized its "savoury quality" and "fine tannins," praising the "superb winemaking from Philippe Bascaules."
Decanter also rated it 98 points, noting the "herbal nose" and "lovely texture in the mouth." The review highlighted the wine's "mouthwatering acidity," describing it as "charming, gentle yet lively."
Jeff Leve gave the wine a perfect score, emphasizing its "haunting aromatic profile" and "seamless finish." Leve noted the wine's focus on "purity, refinement, length, vivacity, and sensual textures."
Jeb Dunnuck, also awarding 100 points, compared the wine to the 1996 vintage, praising its "incredible bouquet" and "sweet tannins."
Finally, The Wine Independent gave the wine a score of 99, describing it as "deep garnet-purple in color" with notes of "black cherries, blackcurrant pastilles, and anise." Lisa Perrotti-Brown highlighted its "elegantly crafted" palate and "fabulous tension."
Overall, the 2023 Chateau Margaux is a critically acclaimed wine, praised for its complex aromas, refined tannins, and exceptional winemaking.