Château Siran 2018 Margaux

Wine Enthusiast #1 Wine of 2021!!
Established in Portets in the 17th century, the Miailhe family counts among its members mayors, jurists, and advisors to the king. Elie Miailhe took up the profession of broker in 1793. His descendants continued to work as brokers without interruption until 1970. Their dynamism encouraged them to invest in the Médoc wine industry between 1920 and 1950. In addition to Chateau Siran, the family also owns the Classified estates, Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande and Chateau Palmer.

It is said in Medoc that the great estates look out over the Gironde. Château Siran belongs to this prestigious assembly. Perched on a plateau of fine siliceous gravel, it is admirably exposed to the south of the Margaux appellation, a few meters from the estuary.

The oldest parcel in the Siran vineyard dates back to 1920. On terroirs sloping towards the Gironde and facing east-west, Merlot slightly dominates the grape varieties (46%), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Petit Verdot (9%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) with an average age of 32 years.

This wine from the outstanding 2018 vintage is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 11% Petit Verdot. The harvest is meticulously sorted before and after destemming in order to select the grapes; only the best grapes go into the vats. The fermentation and extraction are gentle in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats over 18 to 24 days. The wine aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, fine grain, medium toast with 35% new barrels. The use of sulfur is within organic certification limits.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this an Editors' Choice and scored it 95 points saying "From an estate in the southern part of Margaux, this wine has just the right mix of rich tannins and taut black-currant flavors to give upfront freshness and potential for further aging. Structured and fruity, it should be drunk from 2027."

James Suckling scored this 94 points saying "Blackberries, mushrooms and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with a very compact palate that shows creamy and refined tannins that are strong and driven. Some tar and wet earth at the end. Needs three or four years to come together. Best after 2025."

Wine Spectator scored this 93 points saying "Juicy and forward, with expressive cassis, plum reduction and blackberry paste flavors layered together and set against a backdrop of black tea, bay and alder. Long, subtle mineral note leaves a mouthwatering feel at the very end. Lovely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2035."

The Wine Advocate scored this 93 points saying "Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Siran wafts out of the glass with very pretty scents of red roses, cinnamon stick, chocolate-covered cherries and fragrant earth, giving way to a core of warm cassis and plum preserves, plus a touch of camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate is absolutely laden with rich, juicy black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. This very classy, absolutely delicious Margaux tastes great now, but it will reward 3-4 years of cellaring and has the stuffing to continue thereafter for 20+ years."

Decanter Magazine scored this 93 points saying "Juicy and confident black fruit, well controlled with a sense of energy and forward motion through the palate. A succulent peppery finish gives a mouthwatering signoff, and this will age well. Easily competes with the classified growths of Margaux. Drinking Window 2024 - 2038"

Vinous scored this 92 points saying "The 2018 Siran, picked from September 20 until October 18, is raised in around 33% new oak (as usual). It has an intense, focused nose of vibrant black fruit, more floral than its peers, with violet and incense aromas. The palate is framed by pliant tannins and crisp acidity, and delivers gentle grip and signs of graphite toward the finish. An accomplished Siran that is going to give 20-plus years of drinking pleasure. Drinking window: 2023 - 2042"

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 91 points saying "This estate consistently turns out an outstanding Margaux, and their 2018 Château Siran is certainly no exception. Lots of spicy currants, graphite, sandalwood, tobacco, and loamy soil notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, expansive, mouth-filling texture, solid tannin's, and a great finish. It's not the most elegant Margaux out there, but it's a complex, character-filled beauty that will keep for 15 years."