Chateau d'Arsac 2009
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2022-
James
Suckling - Decanter
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James
Suckling
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling - Decanter
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Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker - Decanter
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling - Decanter
-
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling
Philippe Raoux acquired the Arsac property in 1986 and made extensive renovations to the chateau and completely modernized the winery. Aside from the standing walls, he basically started the renovations from scratch. His other priority was to reconstruct the 112 hectares of vineyard and to revive the quality of wine. A unique experience occurred when he approached the INAO, France’s national wine institution and wine regulation board, to re-qualify Chateau d’Arsac’s vineyard into the Margaux appellation. A true expression of tenacity by a vineyard owner. Since 1995, 54 hectares of the vineyard are classified under the AOC Margaux appellation, the remainder are classified under the AOC Haut-Médoc appellation.
Phillipe Raoux’s visionary outlook sought him to create a solid alliance between wine, vines and living art. He endeavours continuously to make Chateau d’Arsac a permanent expression of linking modernity with tradition. He entrusted the Bordeaux architect Patrick Hernandez the careful task of rehabilitating the Chateau d’Arsac and to enter the property into audacious modernity. By combining stainless steel, wood, glass and painting the winery electric blue, Chateau d’Arsac stands out visibly and is now regarded as one of the most original chateaux of the Médoc.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Silky, seductive and polished are the words that characterize the best wines from Margaux, the most inland appellation of the Médoc on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.
Margaux’s gravel soils are the thinnest of the Médoc, making them most penetrable by vine roots—some reaching down over 23 feet for water. The best sites are said to be on gentle outcrops, or croupes, where more gravel facilitates good drainage.
The Left Bank of Bordeaux subscribes to an arguably outdated method of classification but it is nonetheless important in regards to history of the area. In 1855 the finest chateaux were deemed on the basis of reputation and trading price—at that time. In 1855, Chateau Margaux achieved first growth status, yet it has been Chateau Palmer (officially third growth from the 1855 classification) that has consistently outperformed others throughout the 20th century.
Chateau Margaux in top vintages is capable of producing red Cabernet Sauvignon based wines described as pure, intense, spell-binding, refined and profound with flavors and aromas of black currant, violets, roses, orange peel, black tea and incense.
Other top producers worthy of noting include Chateau Rauzan-Ségla, Lascombes, Brane-Cantenac, and d’Issan, among others.
The best wines of Margaux combine a deep ruby color with a polished structure, concentration and an unrivaled elegance.