Winemaker Notes
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine comes from an estate in the western end of the Margaux appellation. The rich tannins and structure of the wine show its aging potential. It is complex and structured, black fruits working with the well-judged tannins and dense texture. Best after 2026.
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James Suckling
Attractive aromas of blackcurrant and black cherry with some flowers, following through to a medium body with very fine tannins and lovely integration of fruit. Delicious now or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 D'Arsac is scented of cassis, redcurrant jelly and warm plums with hints of lavender, tilled soil and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it is soft-spoken with lovely plush tannins and good density, finishing with an herbal lift.
Barrel Sample: 89-91 -
Decanter
From an estate on clay-loam-limestone soils owned by Philippe Raoux of Château d'Arsac. Packed with elongated, soft tannins, and rich red and black fruits. A little short through the finish but lots to enjoy here and an excellent discovery. 50% new oak. Drinking Window 2022 - 2036
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The Left Bank of Bordeaux subscribes to an arguably outdated method of classification but it is nonetheless important in regards to history of the area.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.