CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
The 2022 Chateau Margaux obliged reams of superlatives from barrel. Now in bottle, it is a stone-cold breathtaking First Growth that belongs on the mantelpiece alongside the 1959 and 1983. That said, at first, the aromatics are bashful, yet it takes little to unfurl in jaw-dropping fashion, armed with heavenly pure black fruits laced with peony and iris flower and exuding <em>mineralite</em> (which is a mighty achievement given the season). The palate is imbued with stunning pixelation. There is a little more structure than I recall an enthralling sense of architecture and thrilling tension, the pH of around 3.65 imparting acidic spine. Winemaker Philippe Bascaule remarked that he cannot compare the 2022 to another vintage. This is a profound Chateau Margaux that sets a contemporary benchmark.
JancisRobinson.com
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. 40% of the production. Cask sample.Deep colour to the rim. Attractive berry-fruit aromas with a vanilla edge. Oak subtly present, as yet not fully integrated. Finer texture than Pavillon, the tannins both powerful and smooth. Plenty of drive and length. Slight glow of alcohol on the finish. A bigger wine than usual. Needs time to knit. (JL)