Wines Margaux Harvey Nichols - Margaux - 2018

This Margaux 2018 from Harvey Nichols offers an intriguing window into the renowned left bank of Bordeaux. While the exact blend is not specified, Margaux appellation reds are typically crafted from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and often smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2018 vintage, known for its warmth and generous yields, generally produces wines with ripe fruit profiles, polished tannins, and notable freshness. Expect this cuvée to reveal inviting aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, subtle violet, and delicate cedar, underpinned by hints of graphite and gentle oak. On the palate, a Margaux from this year should balance structure with a supple texture, finishing with persistence and elegance characteristic of the appellation.

Margaux is one of the most historic and celebrated communes in Bordeaux's Médoc region. The area is renowned for its deep, gravelly soils, which offer ideal drainage and encourage complexity and finesse in the wines. The mild maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Atlantic, provides a long growing season, helping red grapes to achieve full phenolic maturity while retaining their natural acidity. The legacy of Margaux stretches back centuries, with a reputation for producing some of the most perfumed and refined wines in the Médoc.

Pairing a Margaux such as this is a delightful task, as its freshness and refined tannins complement a wide range of foods. Classic Bordeaux pairings include rare roast lamb, beef Wellington, or duck breast in a red wine reduction. Local dishes from the region, such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise or confit de canard, would also be harmonious. For a vegetarian option, consider mushroom Wellington or roasted aubergine with lentils and herbs.

To fully appreciate this wine, serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. If opening in its youth, a brief decanting of up to an hour can help the wine express its layered complexity and subtle aromatics.