France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
France
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Vinous (97)
Saturated ruby. A heady, impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied flowers, garrigue and incense, along with exotic spice and mineral notes that build with air. Utterly stains the palate with vibrant raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, licorice and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. Polished tannins add gentle grip to the strikingly long, floral-dominated finish, which shows no rough edges.Inc. VAT£1,620.11 -
Vinous (97)
Saturated ruby. A heady, impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied flowers, garrigue and incense, along with exotic spice and mineral notes that build with air. Utterly stains the palate with vibrant raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, licorice and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. Polished tannins add gentle grip to the strikingly long, floral-dominated finish, which shows no rough edges.Inc. VAT£787.63 -
(1x75cl) 1947Inc. VAT£1,734.80 -
Inc. VAT£2,180.40 -
(1x150cl) 1957Inc. VAT£1,326.49 -
Inc. VAT£2,425.20 -
(1x75cl) 1966Wine Advocate (83)
This has always been one of the best examples of Margaux during its period of mediocrity. Too light for a wine of first-growth standards, it has continued to exhibit some of the fabulous fragrance for which Margaux is famous. Soft, round, fruity flavors are suggestive of herbs, cedar, mushrooms, plums, and caramel. Fully mature, this wine should be drunk up. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/91.Inc. VAT£808.40 -
(1x75cl) 1971Inc. VAT£486.91 -
Inc. VAT£865.20 -
(12x75cl) 1982Wine Advocate (98)
The 1982 Château Margaux is drinking beautifully today, bursting from the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, burning embers, loamy soil, dried flowers and subtle hints of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, it's deep and concentrated, with terrific concentration, beautifully refined tannins and an elegant, harmonious profile. Of all the 1982 first growths, Château Margaux is arguably the least defined by the vintage and the most marked by site and style.Inc. VAT£10,890.07 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 1982 Château Margaux is drinking beautifully today, bursting from the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, burning embers, loamy soil, dried flowers and subtle hints of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, it's deep and concentrated, with terrific concentration, beautifully refined tannins and an elegant, harmonious profile. Of all the 1982 first growths, Château Margaux is arguably the least defined by the vintage and the most marked by site and style.Inc. VAT£1,358.39 -
(1x75cl) 1985Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
The 1985 Château Margaux is the best First Growth of the vintage, when the late Paul Pontallier was just getting his groove on. At almost 40 years it is a spellbinding wine. This has a crystalline bouquet that soars from the glass with Morello cherries, crushed strawberry and light floral scents—precision, precision, precision. The palate follows suit with filigree tannins, a perfect line of acidity, balletic poise and focus. There's real fruit intensity to this First Growth and yet a paradoxical weightlessness on the finish. A brilliant wine that is à point. Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.Inc. VAT£719.84 -
Vinous (98+)
The 1986 Chateau Margaux was even more emotionally moving. Still incredibly youthful, it showed incredible focus and depth, all backed up by considerable structure. As hard as it may seem to believe, on this night the 1986 appeared to still be some years away from peaking. It was striking in every way.Inc. VAT£920.24 -
Vinous (98+)
The 1986 Chateau Margaux was even more emotionally moving. Still incredibly youthful, it showed incredible focus and depth, all backed up by considerable structure. As hard as it may seem to believe, on this night the 1986 appeared to still be some years away from peaking. It was striking in every way.Inc. VAT£1,778.09 -
Inc. VAT£463.04
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(6x75cl) 1989Inc. VAT£3,657.64 -
(12x75cl) 1990Wine Advocate (100)
The 1990 Château Margaux is really beginning to hit its stride at age 31, soaring from the glass with aromas of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of licorice, cedar and violets, framed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's seamless and complete, its velvety tannins and ripe acids entirely cloaked in a lavish but vibrant core of fruit. This is an especially dramatic, fleshy rendition of Margaux, yet it remains impeccably balanced and has decades of longevity ahead of it.Inc. VAT£12,821.34 -
(1x150cl) 1990Wine Advocate (100)
The 1990 Château Margaux is really beginning to hit its stride at age 31, soaring from the glass with aromas of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of licorice, cedar and violets, framed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's seamless and complete, its velvety tannins and ripe acids entirely cloaked in a lavish but vibrant core of fruit. This is an especially dramatic, fleshy rendition of Margaux, yet it remains impeccably balanced and has decades of longevity ahead of it.Inc. VAT£3,888.89 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 1990 Château Margaux is really beginning to hit its stride at age 31, soaring from the glass with aromas of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of licorice, cedar and violets, framed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's seamless and complete, its velvety tannins and ripe acids entirely cloaked in a lavish but vibrant core of fruit. This is an especially dramatic, fleshy rendition of Margaux, yet it remains impeccably balanced and has decades of longevity ahead of it.Inc. VAT£1,033.20 -
(6x75cl) 1994Wine Advocate (92)
Since 1978 there have been only two first-growths (or two of the so-called "big eight" of Bordeaux) that have been consistently excellent to superb - Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Margaux. Margaux's admirable consistency is well-displayed in the 1993-95 wines. Chateau Margaux was one of the last estates to bottle their 1994 (September, 1996), hoping to soften the vintage's high, hard tannin level. The wine has turned out to be a classic, long-lived Margaux. The opaque purple color is followed by this estate's tell-tale aromas of flowers, blackcurrants, licorice, and smoky oak. This dense, powerful, closed wine is a true vin de gard. It needs a decade of cellaring, but it should last for 25-35 years. Readers may find this wine reminiscent of the 1988, only riper and more powerful. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030.Inc. VAT£2,921.06 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Dark color. Black licorice, coffee, currants and black olives. Complex nose. A full-bodied, chewy blockbuster of a wine that is not giving anything at all away. It is like buried treasure still; you have to search for the gold. And it's there. Fabulous. Please give this time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2014. 18,000 cases made. -JSInc. VAT£6,721.74 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Dark color. Black licorice, coffee, currants and black olives. Complex nose. A full-bodied, chewy blockbuster of a wine that is not giving anything at all away. It is like buried treasure still; you have to search for the gold. And it's there. Fabulous. Please give this time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2014. 18,000 cases made. -JSInc. VAT£8,027.34 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
One of the wines of 20th century Bordeaux, now at a beautiful moment to drink. I have been lucky enough to taste this a few times recnently, and it delivers every time. Floral edges, gunsmoke, peony, gentle intensity that builds before you even feel it happening, leading to a subtle intensity. This floats above the glass, sweet fruit and silky tannns. 100% new oak. Paul Pontallier director, delivering a stunning wine.Inc. VAT£7,457.34 -
LaRVF (95)
Château Margaux Margaux 1997Inc. VAT£5,045.34 -
(12x75cl) 1998LaRVF (95)
Je rends complètement les armes devant un tel chef-d'oeuvre ! Le nez, le corps, la texture s'approchent de la perfection, tout en étant d'une diaboliqe précision dans l'expression du terroir. Jamais ce cru, comme ses pairs d'ailleurs, n'a aussi bien travaillé depuis un demi-siècle et je vois hélas ! naître sous mes yeux un vin de légende dont probablement je ne connaîtrai jamais la forme ultime et certainement inoubliable qu'il prendra dans trente à quarante ans !Inc. VAT£5,752.14 -
(1x75cl) 1998LaRVF (95)
Je rends complètement les armes devant un tel chef-d'oeuvre ! Le nez, le corps, la texture s'approchent de la perfection, tout en étant d'une diaboliqe précision dans l'expression du terroir. Jamais ce cru, comme ses pairs d'ailleurs, n'a aussi bien travaillé depuis un demi-siècle et je vois hélas ! naître sous mes yeux un vin de légende dont probablement je ne connaîtrai jamais la forme ultime et certainement inoubliable qu'il prendra dans trente à quarante ans !Inc. VAT£687.20 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 1999 Chateau Margaux has been the standout First Growth since I first tasted the wine from barrel. Now reaching its plateau of maturity, it has an understated nose at first, armed with impressive mineralité with a gorgeous graphite seam. The definition and precision here is top class. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth in texture, very harmonious and assured, surprisingly with some new oak still to be fully assimilated into the wine. The signature Margaux traits of crushed black cherries and violets comes through towards the finish, suggestions of raspberry reserve and desiccated orange peel enhancing the long finish. Perhaps I might temper my initial enthusiasm for the 1999 Château Margaux...but only slightly. It comes highly recommended. Tasted May 2016.Inc. VAT£1,948.18 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Currants, cassis, graphite, smoked tobacco, and sandalwood notes all define the 2000 Château Margaux, a legendary effort that tops out my scale. Still deep ruby-hued with perhaps just a touch of amber starting to creep in, it's full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish. Based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot raised in new barrels, Philippe commented that this might be the first “modern” styled Margaux, and the tannins aren't far off the quality found in today's wines. This is heavenly stuff and will be a 100-year wine when all is said and done. Drink 2026-2100.Inc. VAT£9,433.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Currants, cassis, graphite, smoked tobacco, and sandalwood notes all define the 2000 Château Margaux, a legendary effort that tops out my scale. Still deep ruby-hued with perhaps just a touch of amber starting to creep in, it's full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish. Based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot raised in new barrels, Philippe commented that this might be the first “modern” styled Margaux, and the tannins aren't far off the quality found in today's wines. This is heavenly stuff and will be a 100-year wine when all is said and done. Drink 2026-2100.Inc. VAT£1,279.79 -
(6x75cl) 2000Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Currants, cassis, graphite, smoked tobacco, and sandalwood notes all define the 2000 Château Margaux, a legendary effort that tops out my scale. Still deep ruby-hued with perhaps just a touch of amber starting to creep in, it's full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish. Based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot raised in new barrels, Philippe commented that this might be the first “modern” styled Margaux, and the tannins aren't far off the quality found in today's wines. This is heavenly stuff and will be a 100-year wine when all is said and done. Drink 2026-2100.Inc. VAT£5,557.09
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Vinous (97)
Saturated ruby. A heady, impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied flowers, garrigue and incense, along with exotic spice and mineral notes that build with air. Utterly stains the palate with vibrant raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, licorice and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. Polished tannins add gentle grip to the strikingly long, floral-dominated finish, which shows no rough edges.In Bond£1,306.00 -
Vinous (97)
Saturated ruby. A heady, impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied flowers, garrigue and incense, along with exotic spice and mineral notes that build with air. Utterly stains the palate with vibrant raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, licorice and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. Polished tannins add gentle grip to the strikingly long, floral-dominated finish, which shows no rough edges.In Bond£635.00 -
(1x75cl) 1947In Bond£1,443.00 -
Inc. VAT£2,180.40 -
(1x150cl) 1957In Bond£1,099.00 -
Inc. VAT£2,425.20 -
(1x75cl) 1966Wine Advocate (83)
This has always been one of the best examples of Margaux during its period of mediocrity. Too light for a wine of first-growth standards, it has continued to exhibit some of the fabulous fragrance for which Margaux is famous. Soft, round, fruity flavors are suggestive of herbs, cedar, mushrooms, plums, and caramel. Fully mature, this wine should be drunk up. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/91.In Bond£671.00 -
(1x75cl) 1971In Bond£403.00 -
Inc. VAT£865.20 -
(12x75cl) 1982Wine Advocate (98)
The 1982 Château Margaux is drinking beautifully today, bursting from the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, burning embers, loamy soil, dried flowers and subtle hints of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, it's deep and concentrated, with terrific concentration, beautifully refined tannins and an elegant, harmonious profile. Of all the 1982 first growths, Château Margaux is arguably the least defined by the vintage and the most marked by site and style.In Bond£9,043.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 1982 Château Margaux is drinking beautifully today, bursting from the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, burning embers, loamy soil, dried flowers and subtle hints of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, it's deep and concentrated, with terrific concentration, beautifully refined tannins and an elegant, harmonious profile. Of all the 1982 first growths, Château Margaux is arguably the least defined by the vintage and the most marked by site and style.In Bond£1,129.00 -
(1x75cl) 1985Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
The 1985 Château Margaux is the best First Growth of the vintage, when the late Paul Pontallier was just getting his groove on. At almost 40 years it is a spellbinding wine. This has a crystalline bouquet that soars from the glass with Morello cherries, crushed strawberry and light floral scents—precision, precision, precision. The palate follows suit with filigree tannins, a perfect line of acidity, balletic poise and focus. There's real fruit intensity to this First Growth and yet a paradoxical weightlessness on the finish. A brilliant wine that is à point. Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.In Bond£597.00 -
Vinous (98+)
The 1986 Chateau Margaux was even more emotionally moving. Still incredibly youthful, it showed incredible focus and depth, all backed up by considerable structure. As hard as it may seem to believe, on this night the 1986 appeared to still be some years away from peaking. It was striking in every way.In Bond£764.00 -
Vinous (98+)
The 1986 Chateau Margaux was even more emotionally moving. Still incredibly youthful, it showed incredible focus and depth, all backed up by considerable structure. As hard as it may seem to believe, on this night the 1986 appeared to still be some years away from peaking. It was striking in every way.In Bond£1,476.00 -
In Bond£383.00
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(6x75cl) 1989In Bond£3,032.00 -
(12x75cl) 1990Wine Advocate (100)
The 1990 Château Margaux is really beginning to hit its stride at age 31, soaring from the glass with aromas of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of licorice, cedar and violets, framed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's seamless and complete, its velvety tannins and ripe acids entirely cloaked in a lavish but vibrant core of fruit. This is an especially dramatic, fleshy rendition of Margaux, yet it remains impeccably balanced and has decades of longevity ahead of it.In Bond£10,650.00 -
(1x150cl) 1990Wine Advocate (100)
The 1990 Château Margaux is really beginning to hit its stride at age 31, soaring from the glass with aromas of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of licorice, cedar and violets, framed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's seamless and complete, its velvety tannins and ripe acids entirely cloaked in a lavish but vibrant core of fruit. This is an especially dramatic, fleshy rendition of Margaux, yet it remains impeccably balanced and has decades of longevity ahead of it.In Bond£3,235.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 1990 Château Margaux is really beginning to hit its stride at age 31, soaring from the glass with aromas of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of licorice, cedar and violets, framed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's seamless and complete, its velvety tannins and ripe acids entirely cloaked in a lavish but vibrant core of fruit. This is an especially dramatic, fleshy rendition of Margaux, yet it remains impeccably balanced and has decades of longevity ahead of it.Inc. VAT£1,033.20 -
(6x75cl) 1994Wine Advocate (92)
Since 1978 there have been only two first-growths (or two of the so-called "big eight" of Bordeaux) that have been consistently excellent to superb - Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Margaux. Margaux's admirable consistency is well-displayed in the 1993-95 wines. Chateau Margaux was one of the last estates to bottle their 1994 (September, 1996), hoping to soften the vintage's high, hard tannin level. The wine has turned out to be a classic, long-lived Margaux. The opaque purple color is followed by this estate's tell-tale aromas of flowers, blackcurrants, licorice, and smoky oak. This dense, powerful, closed wine is a true vin de gard. It needs a decade of cellaring, but it should last for 25-35 years. Readers may find this wine reminiscent of the 1988, only riper and more powerful. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030.In Bond£2,417.00 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Dark color. Black licorice, coffee, currants and black olives. Complex nose. A full-bodied, chewy blockbuster of a wine that is not giving anything at all away. It is like buried treasure still; you have to search for the gold. And it's there. Fabulous. Please give this time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2014. 18,000 cases made. -JSIn Bond£5,567.00 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Dark color. Black licorice, coffee, currants and black olives. Complex nose. A full-bodied, chewy blockbuster of a wine that is not giving anything at all away. It is like buried treasure still; you have to search for the gold. And it's there. Fabulous. Please give this time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2014. 18,000 cases made. -JSIn Bond£6,655.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
One of the wines of 20th century Bordeaux, now at a beautiful moment to drink. I have been lucky enough to taste this a few times recnently, and it delivers every time. Floral edges, gunsmoke, peony, gentle intensity that builds before you even feel it happening, leading to a subtle intensity. This floats above the glass, sweet fruit and silky tannns. 100% new oak. Paul Pontallier director, delivering a stunning wine.In Bond£6,180.00 -
LaRVF (95)
Château Margaux Margaux 1997In Bond£4,170.00 -
(12x75cl) 1998LaRVF (95)
Je rends complètement les armes devant un tel chef-d'oeuvre ! Le nez, le corps, la texture s'approchent de la perfection, tout en étant d'une diaboliqe précision dans l'expression du terroir. Jamais ce cru, comme ses pairs d'ailleurs, n'a aussi bien travaillé depuis un demi-siècle et je vois hélas ! naître sous mes yeux un vin de légende dont probablement je ne connaîtrai jamais la forme ultime et certainement inoubliable qu'il prendra dans trente à quarante ans !In Bond£4,759.00 -
(1x75cl) 1998LaRVF (95)
Je rends complètement les armes devant un tel chef-d'oeuvre ! Le nez, le corps, la texture s'approchent de la perfection, tout en étant d'une diaboliqe précision dans l'expression du terroir. Jamais ce cru, comme ses pairs d'ailleurs, n'a aussi bien travaillé depuis un demi-siècle et je vois hélas ! naître sous mes yeux un vin de légende dont probablement je ne connaîtrai jamais la forme ultime et certainement inoubliable qu'il prendra dans trente à quarante ans !In Bond£570.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 1999 Chateau Margaux has been the standout First Growth since I first tasted the wine from barrel. Now reaching its plateau of maturity, it has an understated nose at first, armed with impressive mineralité with a gorgeous graphite seam. The definition and precision here is top class. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth in texture, very harmonious and assured, surprisingly with some new oak still to be fully assimilated into the wine. The signature Margaux traits of crushed black cherries and violets comes through towards the finish, suggestions of raspberry reserve and desiccated orange peel enhancing the long finish. Perhaps I might temper my initial enthusiasm for the 1999 Château Margaux...but only slightly. It comes highly recommended. Tasted May 2016.In Bond£1,612.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Currants, cassis, graphite, smoked tobacco, and sandalwood notes all define the 2000 Château Margaux, a legendary effort that tops out my scale. Still deep ruby-hued with perhaps just a touch of amber starting to creep in, it's full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish. Based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot raised in new barrels, Philippe commented that this might be the first “modern” styled Margaux, and the tannins aren't far off the quality found in today's wines. This is heavenly stuff and will be a 100-year wine when all is said and done. Drink 2026-2100.In Bond£7,825.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Currants, cassis, graphite, smoked tobacco, and sandalwood notes all define the 2000 Château Margaux, a legendary effort that tops out my scale. Still deep ruby-hued with perhaps just a touch of amber starting to creep in, it's full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish. Based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot raised in new barrels, Philippe commented that this might be the first “modern” styled Margaux, and the tannins aren't far off the quality found in today's wines. This is heavenly stuff and will be a 100-year wine when all is said and done. Drink 2026-2100.In Bond£1,063.50 -
(6x75cl) 2000Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Currants, cassis, graphite, smoked tobacco, and sandalwood notes all define the 2000 Château Margaux, a legendary effort that tops out my scale. Still deep ruby-hued with perhaps just a touch of amber starting to creep in, it's full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish. Based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot raised in new barrels, Philippe commented that this might be the first “modern” styled Margaux, and the tannins aren't far off the quality found in today's wines. This is heavenly stuff and will be a 100-year wine when all is said and done. Drink 2026-2100.In Bond£4,613.00

