2011
2011
2011
Whatever the conditions of the vintage, the "core" of the quality—that is, all the plots which make up the basis of the Château Margaux blend—has been remarkably stable for more than three hundred and fifty years... These very great terroirs withstand rain, drought, disease, and sometimes even human inconsistency better than others. 2011 is no exception to this rule: 38% of the harvest went into the Grand Vin, the same proportion as the previous year. Naturally, the cabernet sauvignon still largely dominates with 86% of the blend. This year, it shows uncommon strength, vigour, fortunately balanced by remarkable softness. Then comes the merlot (10%), petit verdot (2%) and cabernet franc (2%). Château Margaux 2011 is the most concentrated wine we have ever produced. And yet, we barely notice its tannins... It can be enjoyed now, provided it is decanted in advance, but ideally it should be kept for a few more years. (February 2025)
Climate
The wine-growing year started with a virtually summery climate, the months of April and May being a lot hotter and drier than normal. The start-up and growth of the vines was, therefore, very quick and flowering was particularly early. Following that, the months of June, July and August were rather cool, but not wet enough, especially at Margaux, to really change the drought status of the vineyard, a characteristic of the vintage. The 26th and 27th of June were hotter than we had ever seen: numerous bunches of grapes, ready to ripen, taking into account the precocity of the vintage, were subjected to intense heat which caused some damage, particularly in the not very vigorous cabernet sauvignon parcels. The dryness of the vineyard after three months of drought probably amplified this phenomenon, of which the consequences remain generally limited. The harvest, which started on the 25th August for the whites, and the 5th September for the reds, benefited from generally hot and dry weather, which allowed plenty of time for the various sorting operations made necessary by the problems of intense heat. Our only disappointment is the quantity: with a yield of 29hl/ha, the 2011 vintage is the smallest harvest for 20 years!
Whatever the conditions of the vintage, the "core" of the quality—that is, all the plots which make up the basis of the Château Margaux blend—has been remarkably stable for more than three hundred and fifty years... These very great terroirs withstand rain, drought, disease, and sometimes even human inconsistency better than others. 2011 is no exception to this rule: 38% of the harvest went into the Grand Vin, the same proportion as the previous year. Naturally, the cabernet sauvignon still largely dominates with 86% of the blend. This year, it shows uncommon strength, vigour, fortunately balanced by remarkable softness. Then comes the merlot (10%), petit verdot (2%) and cabernet franc (2%). Château Margaux 2011 is the most concentrated wine we have ever produced. And yet, we barely notice its tannins... It can be enjoyed now, provided it is decanted in advance, but ideally it should be kept for a few more years. (February 2025)
Climate
The wine-growing year started with a virtually summery climate, the months of April and May being a lot hotter and drier than normal. The start-up and growth of the vines was, therefore, very quick and flowering was particularly early. Following that, the months of June, July and August were rather cool, but not wet enough, especially at Margaux, to really change the drought status of the vineyard, a characteristic of the vintage. The 26th and 27th of June were hotter than we had ever seen: numerous bunches of grapes, ready to ripen, taking into account the precocity of the vintage, were subjected to intense heat which caused some damage, particularly in the not very vigorous cabernet sauvignon parcels. The dryness of the vineyard after three months of drought probably amplified this phenomenon, of which the consequences remain generally limited. The harvest, which started on the 25th August for the whites, and the 5th September for the reds, benefited from generally hot and dry weather, which allowed plenty of time for the various sorting operations made necessary by the problems of intense heat. Our only disappointment is the quantity: with a yield of 29hl/ha, the 2011 vintage is the smallest harvest for 20 years!
Service & tasting
Discover our tips for serving and tasting your wine in the best conditions.
Service & tasting
Discover our tips for serving and tasting your wine in the best conditions.