The arrival of Château Margaux 2023 has stirred considerable excitement among wine collectors, connoisseurs, and market watchers alike.
Launched as part of the 2023 Bordeaux En Primeur campaign, the wine is now available at GBP 4,320 (EUR 5,079) per 12×75 case — a notable 30.2% decrease from the 2022 release, positioning it as one of the most attractively priced Margaux vintages in recent years.
Price Adjustment Signals Value
The 2023 release is priced at EUR 360 per bottle ex-négociant, down significantly from the EUR 516 per bottle asked for the 2022 vintage. This strategic reduction in pricing, reflective of wider market recalibrations across Bordeaux, makes Château Margaux 2023 one of the most accessible Grand Vin offerings of the past decade from this Premier Grand Cru Classé estate.
For serious buyers and collectors, this pricing strategy presents a unique window of opportunity to secure a critically praised, top-tier wine at an unusually competitive market entry point.
Critical Reception: Elegance and Precision Defined
The 2023 Château Margaux has captivated critics with its refined elegance, classical structure, and aromatic complexity — traits that define the best vintages of this iconic estate.
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Neal Martin (Vinous):
97–99 points – “Exquisitely defined and very focused with supremely well integrated oak.” -
Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux):
98 points – “A classical Margaux, with the savoury quality of the best wines of the year, a ton of fine tannins, and sculpted architecture.” -
Antonio Galloni (Vinous):
97–100 points – “Fabulous, sensual, silky and exceptionally polished…with spice, new leather, menthol, licorice and rose petal.” -
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (The Wine Independent):
97–99 points – “Elegantly crafted, with fabulous tension and exhilarating energy.” -
James Lawther MW (Jancis Robinson):
17.5/20 points – “Drive and persistence, but perhaps not quite the depth of the very top years.” -
William Kelley (The Wine Advocate):
95–97 points – Notes of “cassis, violets, spring flowers and sweet tobacco, framed by a deft touch of new oak.”
The consensus among critics paints the 2023 vintage as a benchmark example of Château Margaux’s house style — combining grace, depth, and structure with expressive aromatics and cellar potential.
Market Comparison: Value Against Back Vintages
While the 2023 vintage offers excellent value, a look at back vintages provides context for both investment strategy and drinking preferences:
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Château Margaux 2020:
98 points (Neal Martin) – Priced at GBP 4,700 (EUR 5,525), it commands an 8.8% premium to the 2023 release. -
Château Margaux 2019:
100 points (Jane Anson & Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW) – Available at GBP 5,250 (EUR 6,172), a 21.5% premium. Since release, the wine has appreciated 25%, underlining investor confidence. -
Château Margaux 2016:
98 points (Neal Martin) – With more bottle age and critical acclaim, it’s offered at an 18.1% premium, delivering pedigree and early maturity for collectors.
These vintages highlight Château Margaux’s price appreciation potential, and provide options for those preferring wines closer to their peak.
Conclusion
Château Margaux 2023 emerges as one of the most compelling releases in this year’s En Primeur campaign. Its critical strength, classical style, and carefully positioned pricing make it a standout among First Growths. Whether you're a collector seeking long-term value, an investor anticipating market growth, or a connoisseur drawn to the Margaux elegance, the 2023 vintage offers remarkable quality at a recalibrated price. Given the estate’s historic reputation and consistent performance, this may well be a vintage to act on decisively.
Source: Liv-ex