Overview
One of Bordeaux's legendary First Growths, Château Margaux has been recognised among the world's greatest wines since the 17th century. Classified Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855, its Grand Vin represents the pinnacle of the estate's winemaking, celebrated for its exceptional elegance, aromatic purity, silky tannins and remarkable ageing potential.
The 2004 vintage is a beautifully classical expression of Château Margaux, combining refined floral aromatics, vibrant fruit and finely structured tannins. Its exceptional balance, precision and freshness exemplify the distinctive finesse of the Margaux appellation.
Vintage
The 2004 growing season closely resembled 1996, with a cool, relatively dry spring, an early period of drought and a moderate summer. Warm, dry conditions throughout September allowed the grapes to achieve even and complete ripeness. Harvest began on 1 October, with late rainfall lending the finished wine a particularly refined and graceful profile.
Vineyard & Winemaking
Château Margaux's vineyards occupy exceptional gravel-rich soils in the heart of the Margaux appellation, providing ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2004 Grand Vin is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot.
Meticulous vineyard management, precise vinification and rigorous selection underpin the quality of the Grand Vin. Around 40% of the estate's harvest is typically selected for this flagship wine. The Grand Vin is traditionally matured for an average of 21 months in new French oak barrels, developing complexity while preserving its characteristic finesse and balance.
Producer Tasting Notes
October 2025
Château Margaux 2004 is a great classic vintage, displaying exceptional finesse and purity. Its bouquet offers a subtle combination of floral, fruit and spice aromas, each clearly defined without dominating the others.
On the palate, the tannic structure is tight-knit, fine and tender, creating an impression of balance, precision, purity and freshness. The wine possesses the distinctive air-light grace characteristic of the finest Château Margaux vintages.
Already enjoyable, the wine continues to promise a brilliant future with further cellaring.
Critic Reviews
95/100 — Jean-Marc Quarin
Tasted January 2024
95/100 — Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“Silky tannins, fresh, dark red fruits, espresso, spice and floral essences were all over the place.”
Tasted February 2018
94/100 — Decanter
Tasted March 2024
94/100 — Chris Kissack, The Wine Doctor
Tasted April 2024
Awards
3 Stars – Coup de Coeur
Le Guide Hachette des Vins
Awarded 2008
Producer
Château Margaux is one of Bordeaux's five First Growth estates and an enduring benchmark for fine wine. Situated in the Médoc, the estate has cultivated its reputation over centuries through an uncompromising commitment to vineyard excellence, precision and the expression of its exceptional terroir.
Under the Mentzelopoulos family's stewardship, the estate has continued to refine its winemaking practices while preserving its historic identity. Its flagship Grand Vin is renowned for combining aromatic intensity, silky texture and profound elegance, with the ability to develop extraordinary complexity over decades.
Specifications
-
Vintage: 2004
-
Producer: Château Margaux
-
Wine: Grand Vin du Château Margaux
-
Country: France
-
Region: Margaux, Médoc, Bordeaux
-
Appellation: Margaux AOC
-
Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé (1855 First Growth)
-
Grape Varieties: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
-
Wine Style: Still Red Wine
-
Sweetness: Dry
-
Alcohol: 13%
-
Maturation: French Oak
-
Oak Type: New French Oak
-
Harvest: Commenced 1 October 2004
-
Winemaker: Paul Pontallier
-
Ownership: Corinne Mentzelopoulos
-
Drinking Window: 2024–2055 (Decanter)
