Château Margaux

Although viticulture at Margaux dates back several hundred years, the estate’s modern renaissance began in 1978 when the Mentzelopoulos family assumed ownership. André Mentzelopoulos invested heavily in the vineyards and cellars, setting the stage for a new era of excellence. His daughter, Corinne, continued this vision after his untimely death, making the inspired decision to appoint Paul Pontallier as winemaker in 1983. Pontallier’s tenure spanned 33 vintages, cementing Margaux’s reputation for precision and grace. Today, Philippe Bascaules and Sébastien Vergne uphold this legacy, working alongside consultant Eric Boissenot to ensure continuity and innovation.

The estate’s 82 hectares of vines are rooted in gravel soils that define the Margaux appellation. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates plantings at 75%, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, yielding wines of aromatic complexity and structural grace. The Grand Vin, Château Margaux, is joined by Pavillon Rouge and the rare Pavillon Blanc—a pure Sauvignon Blanc that exemplifies the estate’s versatility. These wines are renowned for their perfumed elegance, layered texture and exceptional ageing potential.

Margaux wines are celebrated for their floral perfume and refined texture; yet, beneath this elegance lies a formidable structure and depth. The finest vintages combine layers of complexity with exceptional length, making them among the most age-worthy wines of Bordeaux. Annual production averages 30,000 cases of red wine, with the Grand Vin accounting for just over 40% of the total, while Pavillon Blanc remains a rare treasure at fewer than 3,000 cases.