Wine Mag #1 wine of 2021 - Chateau Siran Margaux 2018
December 2nd, 2021
Available now at Tannin
The Making of Wine Enthusiast’s No. 1 Wine of 2021 - available at Tannin
Chateau Siran Margaux 2018
VND 2,450,000
Limited stock
Reservations: 0904789482
Entering the Margaux appellation from the south, it is hard to miss Château Siran. The pink buildings of the chateau and cellars are surrounded by a park studded with sculptures. Just across a narrow road, the 60-acre vineyard rises gently as the depth of river gravel increases.
An estate that takes its name from landowner Guilhem de Siran has existed on this site since the 15th century, and the vineyard since the end of the 17th century. At one point in the early 19th century, the estate was linked to the counts of Toulouse-Lautrec, whose most famous son was the painter Henri.
Since 1859, Château Siran has been the property of the Miailhe family. As of 2007, Edouard Miailhe is the sixth-generation family member to run the estate along with his wife, Séverine. They have been responsible for the impressive turnaround in the estate’s wine fortunes, culminating in a trio of great vintages.
Our number one wine of the year, Château Siran 2018 Margaux, is the most recent release reviewed in bottle, but it has been followed by the equally fine 2019 and 2020, tasted from barrel.
So, what led to these improvements? Investment and openness to the world are the answers.
Investment in the cellar, completed in 2014, and replanting in the vineyard, now coming into fruition, both show in the wines produced since 2015. Of these two factors, the vineyard work is the most important. The vine composition has decreased from 50% Merlot to 44% Merlot, increasing the amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and, intriguingly, Petit Verdot.
“It is not huge and dramatic,” says Edouard Miailhe, “but it makes an impressive difference.”
Miailhe seems most excited about Petit Verdot and its effect on the final wine’s blend. In the past a fickle grape, not always ripening, climate change has made an impact.
“It gives a completeness to the wine, adding pepper and elegance as well as its perfumed fruits,” he says.
It’s no surprise then that the 2018 has the highest percentage yet of Petit Verdot, accounting for 11% of the final blend. It is obvious that in the south of Margaux and the south of the Médoc, the variety can now achieve great results.
As the cellar and vineyard have been developed, so has tourism. Before, the estate was closed except to invitees from the wine trade. Now it is open to all. A museum, catering and accommodations as well as visits to the cellar, the vineyard and the park are all now available. Before the novel Coronavirus pandemic, in 2019, there were more than 8,000 visitors, says Miailhe.
On the top wine of the year, the 2018 release, Miailhe regards it as “one of the most complete and rich wines we have ever made.” At 95 points and with “just the right mix of rich tannins and taut black-currant fruits,” it marks the beginning of a new era for Siran.
Source: Wine Magazine
Winemaker Notes
Produced from soils made up of a deep layer of gravel, the wines of Siran are typical of the great Margaux growths. Both powerful and delicate, they express the perfect balance between tannin, fruit and acidity. They are long-ageing wines, which over time develop sweetness on the palate, giving a characteristic silky and velvety mouth-feel. Made from a subtle blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Château Siran generally expresses finesse, femininity and silkiness rather than the raw power and virility of some Médoc wines. The high percentage of Petit Verdot, which can be as much as 15% of the final blend in some years, brings a spicy finish which enhances the unique character of the wines of Château Siran. Château Siran displays charm when young but is also a wine of very long ageing potential. Wine enthusiasts particularly appreciate the complexity of its aromas that it develops over time.
Critical Acclaim
95 Wine Enthusiast
From an estate in the southern part of Margaux, this wine has just the right mix of rich tannins and taut black-currant flavors to give upfront freshness and potential for further aging. Editors’ Choice
94 James Suckling
Blackberries, mushrooms and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with a very compact palate that shows creamy and refined tannins that are strong and driven. Some tar and wet earth at the end.
93 Wine Spectator
Juicy and forward, with expressive cassis, plum reduction and blackberry paste flavors layered together and set against a backdrop of black tea, bay and alder. Long, subtle mineral note leaves a mouthwatering feel at the very end. Lovely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2035.
93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Siran wafts out of the glass with very pretty scents of red roses, cinnamon stick, chocolate-covered cherries and fragrant earth, giving way to a core of warm cassis and plum preserves, plus a touch of camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate is absolutely laden with rich, juicy black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and plenty freshness, finishing long and perfumed. This very classy, absolutely delicious Margaux tastes great now, but it will reward 3-4 years of cellaring and has the stuffing to continue thereafter for 20+ years.