Closerie des Eyrins Margaux 2020

Description

Closerie des Eyrins Margaux 2020

This distinguished offering from the Margaux appellation is a blend dominated by 75% Merlot, complemented by 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2020 vintage in Bordeaux was characterized by a warm, dry growing season that accelerated ripening and produced smaller berries with high skin-to-juice ratios. These conditions resulted in a wine of exceptional concentration and depth, while the cool nights helped retain the fresh acidity essential for balance. The fruit is sourced from a specific three-hectare plot on the Plateau du Moulin, a prestigious terroir of deep gravel and limestone situated directly adjacent to the vineyards of the legendary Château Margaux.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep, opaque ruby core with a vibrant magenta rim, indicating its youth and concentration. The nose is expressive and classic to the appellation, offering a bouquet of ripe blackcurrant, dark plum, and blackberry, interwoven with the signature Margaux floral note of crushed violets. Secondary aromas of graphite, damp earth, and a whisper of cedar emerge with aeration, adding complexity without overshadowing the fruit. On the palate, this is a dry, full-bodied wine with a plush, velvety texture derived from its high Merlot content. The tannins are ripe and polished, providing a structured framework for flavors of black cherry, tobacco leaf, and a distinct stony minerality that persists through a long, elegant finish.

The wine is crafted by Julie and Xavier Médeville, a power couple in the Bordeaux wine scene who also own the renowned Château Gilette in Sauternes and Champagne Gonet-Médeville. They employ sustainable farming practices (HVE3 certified) to maintain the health of their vines and soil. For this cuvée, the winemaking philosophy emphasizes the purity of fruit; fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to capture freshness. The wine is then aged primarily in vats for approximately 18 months, a technique that preserves the vibrant primary fruit characteristics and allows the terroir to shine without the heavy influence of new oak.

This Margaux is a versatile partner for rich, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with a grilled ribeye steak topped with chimichurri; the wine's bold fruit and polished tannins cut through the marbling of the beef while complementing the herbal freshness of the sauce. For a classic American pairing, try it with braised short ribs served over creamy polenta, where the wine's velvety texture mirrors the richness of the dish. Alternatively, a roast duck with a cherry reduction would highlight the wine's dark fruit profile and floral aromatics.

While specific scores from major international critics for the "Closerie" label in the 2020 vintage are scarce, the wine is widely celebrated by merchants and enthusiasts as an "overachiever" and an insider's secret. It offers the pedigree and sensory experience of a top-tier Margaux at a fraction of the price of its famous neighbors, making it an exceptional value in the luxury Bordeaux category.