2012 Margaux
By Chateau Margaux
2012 Margaux from Chateau Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux
In the luminous tapestry of Bordeaux’s prestigious wine history, few threads shimmer with the consistency of Chateau Margaux. With keen interest, we approach the 2012 Margaux from Chateau Margaux—a vintage that whispers elegance in a year that saw its challenges treated as stepping stones towards finesse.
Grace Under Pressure: The 2012 Triumph
The climatic narrative of 2012 was one punctuated by bouts of rain and cooler periods, spearheading an apprehensive start to the growing season in the revered terroir of Margaux. Yet, as if aware of their lineage, the vines displayed a remarkable resilience. The estate's meticulous practices culminated in a selective harvest that wielded grapes evoking poise over power. At its heart, this vintage is a testament to the dedication at Chateau Margaux that turns adversity into artistry.
A Connoisseur’s Vintage: A Study in Subtlety and Complexity
Tasting the 2012 Margaux reveals layers akin to gossamer—unveiling blackcurrant and violets on the nose, framed by the softest touch of oak. On the palate, one discerns meticulously structured tannins harmonising with dark cherries and nuances of spice. It’s not boisterous but confident; its complexity arrives not with a fanfare but a whisper, growing louder as one delves deeper into the glass.
Gazing at investment prospects, one can appreciate the wine's steady ascent to prominence within circles of fine wine collectors. As it matures gracefully, so does its potential for appreciation.
Summarising Refined Elegance
To sample the 2012 Margaux from Chateau Margaux is to engage with an emblematic piece of vinicultural poetry. In this glass, investors and connoisseurs alike will find substance intertwined with sophistication—a demonstration that even in less trumpeted years, the symphony of Chateau Margaux’s winemaking virtuosity commands a captivated audience. Herein lies not only a splendid experience for the senses but a judicious addition to any esteemed portfolio.
Current market price
£4,200.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
262.5
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at the 2012 Southwold tasting, the 2012 Château Margaux has a taut, linear, pencil lead-infused bouquet with pure blackberry and boysenberry scents, an undercurrent of tobacco that surfaces after five minutes in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, a life-affirming sense of balance with well-integrated new oak towards the finish. I concur with Robert Parker that his has become more structured and masculine in bottle, yet there is pedigree here from start to finish, a sense of effortlessness that is seductive. This is a top-class wine from the late Paul Pontallier and his team. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
This is tannic and rich on the finish. Lacks a bit on the center palate, but full and very pretty fruit. Long finish. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, 9% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
The 2012 Chateau Margaux, 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot was picked around September 25th with the early ripening Merlot and the heart of the harvest was in early October. Most of the harvest was in before the rains. It has a very fragrant bouquet with macerated dark cherries, minerals, cold stone, a touch of seaweed and a seam of graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with superb tension on the entry. It is very focused with tensile tannins. There is not a huge a huge weight here – and it segues into a Pauillac like, edgy finish. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
This quintessentially finesse-styled Margaux exhibits notes of pure black currants, spring flowers, graphite and forest floor. With supple tannins and medium body, this pretty, stylish effort reminds me of the 2001 or perhaps a modern day, improved version of their 1979. The lovely 2012 should be drinkable in 4-5 years and last for two decades. Only about one-third of the total production made it into the 2012 Chateau Margaux, which is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Like many Medoc first-growths in this vintage, this estate's aim was to make an elegant, supple-styled 2012 that emphasized the fruit, charm and delicacy of this terroir rather than pushing extraction and going for a powerhouse, which would have been difficult to produce in a vintage like 2012. The natural alcohol is 13%.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206