The unusual delay in the harvest compared to the expected date at the time of flowering cannot be easily explained. Perhaps the weather conditions were particularly favourable to vine growth, at the expense of fruit ripening. Thanks to a generally favourable month of September, the grapes were nevertheless able to reach a good level of maturity overall. In a few plots, however, some cabernet sauvignon did not ripen perfectly. The petit verdot, on the other hand—despite being a later-ripening varietal— achieved remarkable ripeness, even better than in 2000.

Château Margaux 2001 clearly confirms its status as a very fine vintage. It actually recalls the 1999, both for its great aromatic finesse and its tannic texture, so tender and harmonious. What more can be said about the sheer pleasure experiencing when drinking these two wines? We are convinced that this early harmony, the result of perfect grape ripeness, promises many years of pleasure.

The 2001 can therefore be enjoyed fairly early, especially if one appreciates the freshness and purity of the fruit—and why resist the temptation?—or in 15 to 20 years, for those who prefer to wait for the bouquet’s finesse to develop with age. Only the balance will remain unchanged. (October 2025)