Chateau Margaux

Chateau Margaux, one of the original First Growth estates from the 1855 Medoc classification in Bordeaux, is a global powerhouse in wine production. Today, it ranks not only among the top properties in the Medoc but stands as one of the world's premier Bordeaux producers. Since 2014, Chateau Margaux has received consistent scores of 97 points or higher, with eleven perfect scores in the same period. Under the stewardship of owner Corinne Mentzelopoulos, this estate has experienced a remarkable resurgence, “pushing it to the very top of Bordeaux's qualitative hierarchy” according to Wine Spectator. 

Chateau Margaux: The Dawn of the Vineyard

Chateau Margaux's rich history is steeped in royal heritage. Once known as "La Mothe de Margaux," it graced the tables of nobility for generations, firmly establishing its sterling reputation by the 1600s. By the late 17th century, the estate spanned 265 hectares, with a third dedicated to grape cultivation, surrounded by lush parkland. Remarkably, this footprint remains unchanged, with 80 hectares of vines today, mirroring the landscape of three centuries ago.

In 1810, following the turbulence of the French Revolution, architect Louis Combes was commissioned by the Marquis de la Colonilla to build the chateau and cellars that still stand today. Combes' genius seamlessly blended architectural elegance with practicality, creating a neo-palladian masterpiece that signified the rebirth of the vineyard. Chateau Margaux's wines soon graced the tables of connoisseurs and collectors worldwide.

Mentzelopoulos and the Modern Era

In 1977, facing financial challenges due to the 1970s wine market downturn, the owners of the estate, the Ginestet family, reluctantly let go of Chateau Margaux. Enter Andre Mentzelopoulos, whose unconventional journey from grain trader to grocery store magnate led him to acquire the estate for a modest sum of $16 million.

Upon Andre Mentzelopoulos's passing in 1980, his daughter, Corinne Mentzelopoulos, assumed leadership. Despite her youth, she found capable allies in Bordeaux oenologist Emile Peynaud and estate director Philippe Barre. She quickly initiated a series of renovations modernizing winemaking facilities and cellars which marked the beginning of a new era. Additional replanting efforts and increased vineyard density shaped the estate's future. In 1983, the visionary Paul Pontallier joined as technical director.

A Visionary Legacy

Under Paul Pontallier's guidance, Chateau Margaux thrived for three decades. Amidst Corinne Mentzelopoulos's many business ventures, her focus remained steadfastly on returning the estate to greatness, culminating in historic changes in 2009. Among them, the addition of a gravity-fed reception area and new vats, along with the introduction of a new meticulous grape selection process originating in the vineyard. In 2015, the cellars underwent a massive renovation, led by the Pritzker prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, the first significant modernization since 1810.

Tragically, just over a year after the cellar renovations, Paul Pontallier passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence. The 2015 Chateau Margaux, the final vintage under his guidance, featured an iconic etched, screen-printed black label to honor the new cellars designed by Norman Foster. A new chapter in Chateau Margaux's story began, with Philippe Bascaules, the estate's former technical director, returning in 2017 to carry on the legacy. It was Paul Pontallier himself who had hired Bascaules back in 1990.

The Terroir and Winemaking Practices 

The 82-hectare Chateau Margaux vineyard primarily consists of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard is an intriguing tapestry of 80 parcels, located in close proximity to the chateau itself. Yet, it's the 25-hectare parcel atop the plateau, blessed with deep gravel soils, that stands as the jewel in Chateau Margaux's terroir crown. The average age hovers around 35 years, but there are parcels with Cabernet Sauvignon vines aged over 80 years.

Winemaking at Chateau Margaux is a harmonious dance between tradition and innovation. The grapes undergo vinification in a symphony of vats, combining wood and stainless steel—a collection of nearly 100 vats of various sizes. The grand vin is aged in 100% new oak for approximately 18 to 24 months depending on the vintage. A significant portion of the oak barrels used at Chateau Margaux are crafted in its on-site cooperage.

Timeless Elegance

Chateau Margaux isn't merely a winery; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship, the unyielding pursuit of excellence, and the patience that only time can teach. With a rich history and unwavering commitment to quality, it stands firmly as one of the world's premier wine destinations. For collectors and connoisseurs, owning a bottle of Chateau Margaux is arguably the pinnacle of wine appreciation, an essential step in building a world-class cellar. Experience the enduring legacy of Chateau Margaux, where history and innovation converge to produce the finest wines in the world.

Written by: Craig Headding