JD96-100: The 2023 Château Margaux is clearly one of the greats in the vintage, and it actually reminds me a touch of the 1996, if not better. Revealing a deep purple hue, it has an incredible bouquet of cassis and blue fruits interwoven with classic Margaux floral, sandalwood, spice, and graphite aromatics. It's hard to find a wine in 2023 that has this much density and depth, with sweet tannins and so much charm. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, all of which will see 20 months in new barrels. Not enough can be said about the genius of Philippe Bascaules and the Mentzelopoulos family, who continue to produce sensational wine after sensational wine.

Blackberries and red currants with baking spices and dried flowers. Full-bodied and dense, showing solid, crunchy, powdery tannins that give the wine great depth and intensity. Remains polished and integrated. Very tight and savory at the end. A blend of 89% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. (James Suckling, 99 Points)