2018 Chateau D'Arsac - Margaux

2018 Chateau D'Arsac - Margaux

Château d'Arsac is one of the oldest properties in Margaux: its history dates to the 12th century when it was the Seigneury of Arsac. In 1880, under the ownership of Ernest Dubosc, d'Arsac was the largest estate in the Médoc (and possibly all of France) with over 250 hectares of vines. The Château fell on hard times until it was purchased in 1986 by Philippe Raoux, who oversaw an extensive renovation of the vineyards and winemaking facilities. His leadership has made d'Arsac a hidden gem in Margaux: they were classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (one of only 14 châteaux) in 2020; they are Haute Valeur Environnmentale (HVE) certified (a French organic/sustainability certification); and the estate features one of the most impressive art collections in the region (each year the Château commissions an artist to complete a work for their sculpture garden). 54 of the estate's 160 hectares are classified as Margaux with the balance classified as Haut-Médoc. 

The 2018 Château d'Arsac is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot fermented in stainless steel and aged in 50% new French oak and 50% in 2nd use barrels for 12 months. In the glass, the wine shows a lovely deep ruby color with purple highlights. The nose emits striking aromas of cassis, blackberries, plums and violets intermingled with subtle notes of oak spice and graphite. All the concentrated dark fruit flavors are framed by muscular tannins that balance the depth of flavor perfectly, providing an impeccable balance where all the structural and flavor components are in perfect harmony. The finish is decadent and powerful with persistence and class. You can drink now (I would recommend decanting the wine for an hour or so) or stash some bottles away to enjoy over the next 10-15 years. This is a stunning Margaux that delivers all you expect from the appellation, but at a fraction of the price of the Grand Cru Classé estates!