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Margaux wineyards

Our first target was the Margaux region, which is located in the Medoc area (click here for a map). The soil contains a large amount of gravel which helps to keep the heat - this is needed to successfully grow the Cabernet-Sauvignon grape variety. The wines are considered the most elegant in Bordeaux and this is really one of my favorite appellations.

Château Rauzan-Gassies

We first visited the Château Rauzan-Gassies which was classified as a Second Growth (here is some information about the Bordeaux wine classification of 1855). Its history dates back to the 18th century. Since 1946, it is owned by the same family who also owns two other estates: Château Bel Orme (Cru Bourgeois, Haut-Médoc) and Château Croizet-Bages (5th Growth, Pauillac).

I had the opportunity to try all of their wines and here are my verdicts (in this post and in future I will rate the wines out of 10):

  • Château Rauzan-Gassies 2001: 7/10. Quite elegant and has a long finish. A decent Margaux.
  • Château Croizet-Bages 2001: 5.5/10. Strong leather notes, overall I found it too boring. Not the best example of a Pauillac.
  • Château Bel-Orme 2001: 6/10. Fruity (especially blackcurrant), it is a very plesant drink.

On our way, we drove next to the most famous Margaux estate, the magnificent Château Margaux which is unfortunately closed in August:

Château Margaux

We had lunch at Château Prieuré-Lichine, which I was really looking forward to because I had already tasted their wines before - they were all excellent. I would really like to thank Lise and Ulrich for their hearty welcome and a very interesting visit (…and, of course, a delicious meal!). Like some Bordeaux estates, Prieuré-Lichine also make white wines. Here are the reviews:

  • Château Prieuré-Lichine 2000 (Parker’s rating: 90): 9.5+/10. One of the best red wines that I’ve tried. I’m really in love with it. Cherry nose and exquisite taste. Recommended.
  • Château Prieuré-Lichine 2004 (Parker’s rating: 90): 8.5/10. Not as good (IMHO) as the 2000, but still a very decent wine which should be even better in a few years.
  • Le Blanc de Prieuré-Lichine 2004 (white): 7.5+/10. Delicious notes of pineapple, very fruity and fresh.
  • Le Blanc de Prieuré-Lichine 2006 & 2007 (white):7/10. When younger, the White of Prieuré-Lichine is not as rich in aromas, it provides light notes of exotic fruits.

Finally, we stopped at the Château Kirwan, a 3rd Growth. Interesting fact: in 1787, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States said after a journey in the area: “Kirwan is of second quality after Margaux, Latour, Haut-Brion and Lafitte” (4 out 5 estates considered as the very best. -Inspector). It was rather a short stop so I only tried one wine:

  • Château Kirwan 2003 (Parker’s rating: 93): 8/10. Rich full-bodied wine with concentrated fruits and cedar. I’m looking for a little bit more elegancy in a Margaux, but it has very good critics.

Please let me know if you liked this article. There’s more to come so stay tuned!

Disclaimer: I do not pretend to be a wine expert. The ratings only reflect my personal tastes and might (will) differ from professional opinions.


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