Château Margaux Margaux 2022

100 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep dark ruby in colour with an opaque core, purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the seductive nose, aromas of black cherry, cassis, dark wild berries, inviting spicy nuances and candied orange zest. The palate is full-bodied with black cherry fruit, silky tannins that give the wine enormous length, and a saline minerality on the finish that lingers for minutes. Great ageing potential, undoubtedly setting new standards for Margaux. (5/11/23)"

98-100 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc). Stunning in its density and construction, with a gorgeous balance that starts with red rose aromatics and slides into creamy and intense raspberry, damson, loganberry and cassis fruits. The intense structure of the vintage is on display, here with velvety tannins giving shape and contrast by a push and pull of slate, graphite, cloves, turmeric, cardamom and white pepper. Bitter dark chocolate ending, a character of the year but here delivered with a blast of cooling mint leaf. Philippe Bascaules director, harvest September 8 to 27, 25hl/h yield. 100% new oak, to be monitored carefully over ageing because this is the first time they have seen this level of alcohol in the Cabernet Sauvignon. 40% of the crop is into this 1st wine, one of the highest in years. Harvest September 8 to 27. They are slowly changing the row orientation in the vineyard at Margaux, begun last year but a 50 year project, and introducing more Cabernet Franc through field grafting (wanting to get up to maybe 15% of plantings, currently 5%). Alcohol 14.6%. Drink: 2032-2052.. (4/18/23)"

98-100 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "The bushel of red and black fruits initially get your attention before discovering all the violets, white flowers, cedar, and cigar box aromas in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is silky, sensuous, rich, and almost viscous. The fruit comes in layers, and does not stop building in intensity. The wine is poised between weight and lift, with an energetic finish delivering a powerful wall of cashmere-textured, red and black fruits that hold your focus for at least 60 seconds. This is a unique style for Chateau Margaux that is difficult to compare with previous vintages due to its levels of ABV and concentration. But I love it! The wine blends 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. All the Petit Verdot was placed into Pavillon Rouge. 14.6% ABV, is the highest ABV in the history of the estate. 3.61 pH. Yields were barely 25 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced using only 40% of the harvest. Picking took place September 8 - September 28, making this one of the earliest starts to a vintage in the history of the estate. Drink from 2030-2065. (May 2023)"

99 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): “The 2022 Château Margaux is a total hedonistic turn-on. Soaring Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics are immediately arresting. A wine of depth and stature, Château Margaux is a total stunner in 2022. Dark-toned fruit, graphite, lavender, licorice and spice soar from the glass. There's gorgeous presence and mind-blowing balance to behold here. Château Margaux is always an aristocratic wine. In 2022, it is all that and more. Richness, power and finesse are rarely this profound. The team led by Technical Director Philippe Bascaules opted for shorter macerations than the norm (12-21 days as opposed to 15-28) as a precaution given the tiny size of the berries, which were about 35% smaller than in most years. Drink: 2032-2072. (Jan 2025)”

99 points James Suckling: "I have never encountered a wild Margaux like this. Cassis and blackcurrant aromas with hints of crushed stones and bitter chocolate. The palate is full-bodied but not heavy or ponderous. Really well-structured with fantastic fine tannins that tighten on the palate, giving this so much liveliness and length. Compacted and energetic at the end. 92% cabernet sauvignon and 6% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. Exceptional. Best after 2029. (1/10/25)"

97-99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Grand Vin 2022 Château Margaux checks in as 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc that's pulled from just 40% of the total production. It's a classic Château Margaux with its overriding sense of elegance and purity, yet it's certainly in the style of the vintage with its depth, richness, and concentration. Cassis, blueberries, acacia flowers, and spice all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless, layered mouthfeel, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. The alcohol hit 14.5, and I suspect the pH is relatively high (which is common in the vintage), yet this remains pure, balanced, and is absolutely show-stopping stuff. (5/10/23)"

97-99 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2022 Chateau Margaux, composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It shoots from the glass with an initial firework display of redcurrant jelly, blackberry pie, and fresh, juicy blackcurrants, followed by an array of iron ore, lilacs, black licorice, and sandalwood-inspired scents, plus a hint of wood smoke. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with rich, concentrated, muscular black and red fruits, supported by exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and fragrant. This is a jaw-droppingly gorgeous effort that should be immortal. This represents 40% of the crop. "It's been a long time since this much has made it into the First Wine!" commented winemaker Phillipe Bascaules. The pH is 3.61. Alcohol 14.6%. Drink: 2030-2070. (5/14/23)"

98 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): “A stunning Margaux in 2022 with a bright and vibrant core, deep and persistent, alive and bright with layers of silky but firm tannins that give a gentle grip, powerful and concentrated black fruit, with a clearly defined structure that supports and doesn't overwhelm. Despite the power this has a delicacy which I love, so pure and clearly charming. Opulent yet racy, really walking the line between heft and sleekness. The acidity really lifts the expression with spiced liquorice and wet stone nuances while staying cool and fresh. Generous, stylish, punchy and polished. An incredibly complex wine that really works. 3.6pH. 88IPT. 18% press wine. Ageing 18-20 months, 100% new oak. No Petit Verdot in the blend. Highest alcohol and tannin level for the grand vin. Drinking Window: 2030-2050. (Apr 2023)”

98 points Rod Smith (TimAtkin.com) (5/9/23).