Viniou Reviews
Expert Club 2021 from Margaux AOC is a classic red Bordeaux crafted in the heart of the Médoc. This area, renowned for its prestigious châteaux, gives rise to wines primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and, to a lesser extent, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The 2021 vintage was marked by a cool spring and a mild summer, resulting in a wine that favours finesse and freshness over sheer power. Expect an aromatic nose layered with red and black fruits, such as cassis, plum, and raspberry, with delicate floral notes like violet and rose petal. The palate typically displays a harmonious balance between supple tannins, vibrant acidity, and a subtle oak imprint, reflecting careful vinification and judicious use of French oak barrels during maturation.
The Margaux appellation stands out within Bordeaux for its fine gravel soils over limestone, promoting deep root growth and imparting remarkable elegance to its wines. Margaux's moderate maritime climate, with the Gironde estuary acting as a natural temperature regulator, allows grapes to ripen slowly while preserving aromatic complexity and acidity. This region has a storied history, often associated with some of the most feminine and perfumed expressions of Médoc, making its red wines highly sought after for their finesse and ageing potential.
Expert Club 2021 is a food-friendly wine, ideal for dishes that emphasise subtlety and texture. It will beautifully accompany roast rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic, classic entrecôte bordelaise, or game birds like duck breast with a berry reduction. For a regional touch, pair it with canard aux cèpes or, for a vegetarian option, a gratin of wild mushrooms and root vegetables.
For optimal enjoyment, decanting is recommended to allow the wine to open and fully reveal its bouquet. Serve it at 16-18°C in large Bordeaux glasses to enhance its aromatic complexity and elegance. This wine can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit and freshness, but it will also reward three to five years of cellaring to allow further integration and evolution.
