Chateau Margaux 2017 tasting notes and ratings “en primeur” by Ronald Rens, M.Sc., Wine Master, Bordeaux Expert

It is always a great pleasure to be greeted at Chateau Margaux by Alexandra Mentzelopoulos, who is starting to play an ever-increasing role in representing this excellent First Growth. Her radiant smile and warm personality made me feel very welcome indeed. I tasted the Chateau Margaux traditionally in the cellars. The yields an Margaux are 35hl/ha and 8 ha on a total of 82 ha was lost due to the frost. The production of the Pavilion Rouge was down 50% compared to the previous vintages due to frost and strong selections.

Chateau Margaux 2017 (19+ points)

Pavillion Rouge de Chateau Margaux 2017 (18+ points)
[76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot]

As a result of a strong selection only 22% of the entire harvest made into the Pavilion Rouge. Nice clear color, not too intense. A pleasant and fruity fresh nose, typical for the Cabernet. Strong concentration for a second wine but still very smooth. Great freshness in line with the vintage and good length for a second wine. Less acidity than last year. Strong tannic structure.

Chateau Margaux 2017 (19+ points)
[89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc]

The Chateau Margaux represents 37% of the crop. The color is much deeper than the Pavilion Rouge. Deep almost black color with a beautiful ruby edge. Rather shy on the nose with some discreet hints of fresh fruit. On the palate this well-structured wine surprises by its freshness and complexity. Beautiful precise fruit and ripe tannins. Good length!

Pavillion Blanc of Chateau Margaux 2017 (19+ points)
[This white wine of Chateau Margaux is, as always, made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc]

Very light in color with a slight hint of golden yellow. The nose is the signature expressive avalanche of fruit: citrus like grapefruit and orange, but also tropical fruit. In the mouth there is yet another great expression of fruit with a strong minerality and a strong acidity that is balanced out with a richness that only a Pavilion Blanc can bring. The acidity is stronger than in previous years. I personally prefer the style of the previous vintages but this beautiful white wine is still remarkable. Great length. Well made.