Château Margaux 2023 has entered the market as part of this year’s Bordeaux En Primeur campaign, priced at GBP 4,320 (EUR 5,079) per 12×75.
The release has generated significant interest among wine enthusiasts and investors, particularly given its notable price decrease compared to the 2022 vintage.
Priced at EUR 360 per bottle ex-négociant, this represents a 30.2% reduction from the 2022 release price of EUR 516 per bottle.
Enthusiastic Critical Acclaim
The 2023 vintage of Château Margaux has been met with widespread acclaim from critics, reinforcing its status as a quintessential Margaux. Wine critic Neal Martin awarded the wine a score of 97-99 points, describing it as "exquisitely defined and very focused with supremely well integrated oak."
Jane Anson also extolled the virtues of the 2023 vintage, awarding it 98 points and calling it a "classical Margaux, with the savoury quality of the best wines of the year, a ton of fine tannins and with a sculpted architecture." Antonio Galloni of Vinous was equally impressed, bestowing a potential perfect score of 97-100 points and highlighting its "fabulous, sensual, silky and exceptionally polished" character with aromatic notes of "spice, new leather, menthol, licorice and rose petal."
Diverse Praise from Wine Experts
Additional accolades came from a variety of esteemed wine critics. James Lawther MW, writing for Jancis Robinson, awarded the wine 17.5/20 points, noting its "drive and persistence but perhaps not quite the depth of top years." Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW of The Wine Independent described the 2023 vintage as "elegantly crafted, with fabulous tension creating an exhilarating sense of energy in the mouth," awarding it 97-99 points.
William Kelley from The Wine Advocate gave the wine a score of 95-97 points, emphasizing its aromatic complexity with "cassis, violets, spring flowers and sweet tobacco, framed by a deft touch of new oak."
Pricing Analysis and Market Context
The release price of Château Margaux 2023 at GBP 4,320 (EUR 5,079) per 12×75 case makes it one of the more affordable vintages of the past decade. This price drop is significant, especially considering the wine's high critical scores and the increasing demand for top Bordeaux wines. For those looking to invest in Château Margaux, this vintage offers a compelling opportunity.
For buyers exploring back vintages, there are several attractive alternatives. The 2020 vintage, which also garnered 98 points from Neal Martin, is available at GBP 4,700 (EUR 5,525), representing an 8.8% premium to the 2023 release. The 2019 vintage, boasting a perfect 100-point score from both Jane Anson and Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, is available at a 21.5% premium, priced at GBP 5,250 (EUR 6,172). This vintage has appreciated by 25% since its original release at GBP 4,200 (EUR 4,938).
The 2016 vintage, another strong contender with a 98-point score from Neal Martin, is available at an 18.1% premium to the 2023 release, offering a proven track record and additional maturity in bottle.
Conclusion
Château Margaux 2023’s release at a competitive price point, coupled with its exceptional critical reception, positions it as a highly attractive acquisition for collectors and investors alike. The significant price reduction compared to previous years enhances its appeal, making it a potential value buy in the current market.
Source: Liv-ex