2001 Château Giscours, Margaux, Bordeaux

Glossy crimson. Sophisticated nose with very good quality oak. Very attractive balance and lovely freshness above all. Not a heavyweight but a very attractive wine. Good length and integrity. Lovely already. Pavillon Rouge?

Tasted at the Chteau Giscours vertical, the 2001 Chteau Giscours is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot picked between September 28 and October 12. Comparing it directly with the 2000, I discerned a little more precision on the nose, the fruit a little fresher with lifted mulberry, violet and lavender scents. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, more tensile than the 2000, if not quite the same level of fruit concentration.

It is not plump like the previous vintage, though there is fine animation here with a vein of spiciness surfacing towards the finish. This constitutes one of the finest Giscours in recent years, a Margaux with breeding and poise. In retrospect, this was the beginning of a turnaround in fortunes after an inconsistent period throughout the 1990s.

Drink 2015 - 2035

Following the 2000, the 2001 seems finer in style with more zest and energy. The colour is deep and the bouquet complex with floral and red and dark fruit notes as well as a hint of mint. The attack on the palate is ripe then the wine sails along on freshness, length and drive. The finish is serious and firm. Altogether it's a harmonious and agreeable wine. The 'hidden-gem' pick.

Drink 2021 - 2032

The 2001 Giscours has slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than the 2000 5% more, to be precise). The bouquet has always had greater delineation and precision than the previous vintage, offering black cherries, Dorset plum, iris petal and hints of lavender. This is very focused and seems to have lost none of its vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshier than the 2000, lightly spiced with a dash of white pepper, and poised and persistent on the finish. This Giscours is one of the gems of the appellation and is probably à point.

Drink 2021 - 2045

Vibrant and finessed, a real reminder that the best Bordeaux ages slowly and keeps delivering. Understated, with a creamy texture that suggests beautifully ripe fruits and well defined tannins, delivers grip and length, cassis, mint leaf, and a seductive charm, draws you in and keeps you engaged. 50% new oak, harvest September 28 to October 12. Jacques Boissenot consultant.

Drink 2024 - 2040