The 2001 Chateau Margaux is a Bordeaux blend from the esteemed Margaux sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This vintage, crafted by Chateau Margaux, is a classic representation of the estate’s renowned elegance and complexity, boasting a balanced composition of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. The wine has a moderate alcohol content of 13.0% and is sealed with a traditional cork.
Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine an impressive score of 97, highlighting its "denseness, spice, flavors of black currants layered with dryness and fresh acidity," while noting its youthful character and prolonged tannic finish. Paul Pontallier, the winemaker, emphasized the vintage's special qualities, marking it as a quintessential Margaux.
Wine Spectator also praised this vintage, giving it a score of 95. The review describes the wine as "suave from the start," with "beguiling tea, singed sandalwood and lilac notes," and a finish defined by "minerally echo." Jancis Robinson’s Purple Pages echoes this sentiment, awarding it 95 points and commending its "great depth and richness and complexity," while noting its "hedonistic fruit" and "great persistence."
Vinous and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate both rated the 2001 vintage at 94 points. Vinous describes it as a “strict Château Margaux” with “fine-boned tannins and a taut line of acidity,” while Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate notes its "tremendous precision and delineation," and anticipates a prosperous future.
Decanter also awarded a 95, praising its "restrained, elegant blackcurrant fruit aromas" and the wine's potential for aging, as it still appears youthful. Despite being overshadowed by the preceding vintage, the 2001 Chateau Margaux has carved out a reputation for refinement, sophistication, and lasting appeal in the cellar.