2021 Château Marquis-d'Alesme-Becker
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Tasting notes
Delphine Kolasa believes that it was important not to chaptalize in 2021 – believing it gives unwanted heat in the wines. Hers, by contrast, are delicate, fresh, fruity and floral expressions of the vintage. Marquis d’Alesme was picked between 30th September and 14th October. It’s fine-boned with dark fruit and violet florals, but a nice density of pure and crunchy fruit on the elegant palate with a creamy roundness and smoky complexity. Blend: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Neal Martin, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Shaded, blackish purple. Quite neat and focused. Punchy and not very Margaux. Drying finish. A bit aggressive. (JR)
One of the most concentrated wines in the vintage, the 2021 Château Marquis D'Alesme still stays balanced and classy. Red and black fruits, graphite, smoked tobacco, and some cedar pencil notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a layered, textured mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Based on 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, aged in 60% new barrels, give it just a few years and enjoy over the following 10-12+.
The 2021 Marquis d'Alesme Becker has one of the most attractive bouquets from the range of 2021 Margaux wines tasted: black cherries, wild strawberry, cedar and rose petal, with fine mineralité coming through. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is very well-balanced with sappy red fruit, a fine bead of acidity and firm grip—precise, with a tensile finish that urges you back for more. This deserves applause for overcoming a difficult growing season.
About the producer
The estate dates back to 1585 and has been producing wine on the property since the early 17th century. In the 1855 classification the Chateau was awarded Third Growth status.