2015 Château Margaux 1er Cru Classe Red Bordeaux (Limited Release)

Château Margaux consistently makes one of the greatest Bordeaux wines… This is the first time in history that the prestigious Classified First Growth Margaux distinguishes a vintage with a unique new look. The inspirations behind this elegant label are manifold. The new design is, above all, a tribute to Paul Pontallier, who passed away much too early in March of 2016, leaving behind the 2015 vintage as the last one created under his direction. This special edition also celebrates 200 years of architecture at the estate and the inauguration of the new cellars designed by Lord Norman Foster. Finally, it is simply one of the greatest vintages in the history of the property. "The 2015 Chateau Margaux is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Medium garnet-purple colored, the nose features oh-so-seductive notes of warm blackberries, cassis and black forest cake with touches of forest floor, sandalwood, anise and cigar boxes plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers taut, muscular, densely packed black fruits and exotic spice flavor layers supported by a very firm backbone of grainy tannins with oodles of freshness and a long, savory finish. It is tightly knit and a little reticent at this very youthful stage; afford it at least 15 years in the cellar, and it will open out into a classic Chateau Margaux of incredible proportions. Readers may be interested to know that this wine is beautifully packaged in a special commemorative bottle honoring winemaker Paul Pontellier, who passed away in 2016. The gold-etched black bottle bears the message, Hommage à Paul Pontellier at the bottom. This 2015 is an achingly beautiful swan song from an incredibly gifted winemaker, taken from us too soon. In my view, this alone makes this vintage more than worth the investment for the many lovers of history in a bottle." - Wine Advocate