Winemaker Notes
Is the 2022 vintage a new 1982? After a cool 2021, 2022 was marked by extreme heat, with temperatures between 35 and 40°C, more typical of the Mediterranean. Chateau Siran's vines have adapted well, but the climate is undeniably changing. With only 650 mm of rainfall instead of the usual 950 mm, yields were among the lowest at just 35 hl/ha. Harvesting began early and rapid vinification produced a wine full of fruit, sweetness and freshness. Although the yield was low, the quality was exceptional. Will this be another legendary vintage, like 1982? Only time will tell.In keeping with family tradition, each label features a different theme: the painting for the 2022 vintage, by British artist Damian Elwes, pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating her unforgettable legacy.
Blend: 53% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
A delightful Siran in 2022 that manages to give the density of the vintage while remaining joyful and extremely drinkable. Textured tannins make the first impact, coating the mouth and giving a touch of seriousness to the profile before a mouthwatering succulence comes in, lifting the strawberry, raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. The soft fleshiness gives structure but this remains polished and quite sleek. A lovely Margaux to look out for with detail and drive.
Barrel Sample: 94 -
James Suckling
The lead-pencil and dark-berry aromas are very persuasive here, and aromatic! Medium to full body with juicy fruit, velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Creamy and pretty.
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Wine Spectator
Hibiscus and iris accents are infused liberally throughout a core of mulberry and blackberry puree in this version. Black tea and sanguine hints add range on the fleshy finish, which ends with a lovely sweet cedar echo. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2022 Château Siran, a complex, medium to full-bodied Margaux with plenty of black cherry and plum fruit, some chocolate, violets, and floral nuances, ripe, polished tannins, and a nicely layered, balanced style on the palate. Based on 53% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Petit Verdot, raised in 35% new barrels, give bottles a few years and enjoy over the following two decades or so.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Aromas of minty cassis, herbs and pencil shavings introduce the 2022 Siran, a medium to full-bodied, velvety and lively wine that's seamless and integrated. This is an especially strong effort for this estate.
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.