The release of Château Margaux 2024 comes as Bordeaux’s en primeur market adjusts to more cautious buyer sentiment and growing calls for price realism. Margaux has responded with its most affordable release in over a decade, offering both its grand vin and second wine at significantly reduced prices compared to recent vintages. This shift raises not only commercial implications but also stylistic ones, as both wines lean into precision over power.
Margaux 2024
Château Margaux 2024 is priced at €276 per bottle ex-négociant, the estate’s lowest release since the 2014 vintage (€240). It marks a 23% decrease from 2023 (€360) and a substantial drop from the 2022 release (€516). Positioned below many lesser vintages in terms of pricing, this release clearly aims to re-engage buyers while signaling a broader correction across the First Growths.
Jane Anson awarded 96 points, describing a wine driven by floral aromatics—iris, rosebud, raspberry—paired with chalk and white tea nuances, finishing with a salty edge. Neal Martin (94–96) called it “razor-sharp,” with tension and mineral cut, though notably leaner than 2020 or 2022. William Kelley (93–95) emphasized its density and vibrant structure, while Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (94–96+) highlighted its earthy finish and fine-grained tannins. Antonio Galloni (93–95) found the wine delicate, with firm tannins exposed by high acidity, calling élevage “everything” in how it may evolve.
The blend consists of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and small portions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It accounts for 46% of the château’s total production. Alcohol is 12.8%, with a pH of 3.62. Yields reached 30hl/ha after sorting, with harvest running from September 23 to October 8. The result is a classically styled Margaux that may appeal to those seeking structure and longevity over immediate charm.
Pavillon Rouge 2024
The second wine, Pavillon Rouge 2024, was released at €90 per bottle ex-négociant—a 25% drop from 2023 (€120) and the lowest since 2014 (€78). The price adjustment mirrors the estate’s overall strategy, bringing Pavillon back to levels not seen in a decade while maintaining its stylistic continuity.
Jane Anson gave 93 points, citing high-toned floral notes—peony, lilac—and a precise red fruit core. Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (91–93) noted its fresh red berries and delicate tannins, lifted by minerality. William Kelley (90–93) focused on its good density and lively acids, while Jeb Dunnuck (91–93) emphasized its classic tobacco-leaf and graphite profile, calling it one of the more successful second wines of the vintage. Antonio Galloni and Neal Martin (both 89–91) offered more restrained takes, describing it as floral, structured, and needing time to soften.
The wine is made from a higher proportion of Cabernet Franc (9%) and less Merlot than in previous years, reflecting vineyard replanting efforts begun a decade ago. The final blend leans heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon and represents 28% of the total crop. Alcohol is 12.9%, with pH at 3.62. The harvest took place over the same window as the grand vin, with similar yields.
Both wines suggest a deliberate shift toward balance—economically and stylistically. In a campaign where pricing, not just quality, is under the spotlight, Château Margaux presents a case for recalibration rather than excess. Whether that is enough to reignite broader market interest will depend less on labels and more on how buyers interpret value this year.
