Viniou Reviews
Comtesse Saint-Hilaire 2024 is a red wine from the prestigious Margaux AOC in the Médoc subregion of Bordeaux, France. While the precise blend is not specified, Margaux wines are typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and often small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The 2024 vintage promises freshness and vibrancy, likely shaped by modern, temperature-controlled vinification methods that aim to preserve the delicate aromatics and refined tannic structure characteristic of the appellation. These wines are revered for their elegance, finesse, and aromatic complexity, generally offering aromas of violets, redcurrant and blackcurrant, with subtle oak influence from traditional barrel ageing.
Margaux, located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, boasts a unique terroir of well-draining gravel soils mixed with clay and limestone, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen slowly and evenly. The proximity to the estuary moderates temperatures, reducing frost risk and providing ideal conditions for balanced vine growth. Margaux is historically celebrated for producing some of Bordeaux’s most perfumed and graceful wines, with a reputation stretching back to the eighteenth century, when its wines were sought after by nobility.
For food pairing, the Comtesse Saint-Hilaire 2024 will shine alongside classic French cuisine such as roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, duck breast with sautéed mushrooms, or a well-prepared entrecôte bordelaise. Regional dishes like cannelés (for cheese board pairings) or a Bordelaise mushroom tart complement the wine’s underlying complexity and fine tannins. Hard cheeses like aged Comté or tomme pair beautifully as well.
To enjoy this Margaux at its best, allow it to breathe for an hour in a decanter before serving. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C, which helps highlight the wine’s floral bouquet, refined palate, and silky structure. The 2024 vintage, while approachable young, has the structure to develop further nuances with cellaring over the next decade.
