Anson’s top 40 wines
Médoc
PERFECT SCORE Château Margaux, Margaux 1er Cru Classé 100
Still extremely young, retaining its power and impact for another five or 10 years. Smooth silky tannins, great vibrancy and concentration of blackberries and cassis, and a latent generosity and confidence that builds through the palate, with violet and peony florals that come through on the finish hinting at more to come. Tingling minerality and a pulse of electricity. Up with the best ever from the estate. In the meantime, drink the 2009 Pavillon (93 points). Drink 2022-2046 Alcohol 13.5%
Château Latour, Pauillac 1CC 99
A gorgeous nose, full of Pauillac power and finesse. Brambled fruit and touches of hedgerow from the Cabernet Sauvignon, the fresh core clear from start to finish, giving that high-wire feeling that makes great Médocs so thrilling. This is barely bedded down but has the shoulders and backbone to carry it for years. Chewy finish with a sense of drama to those cassis fruits, controlled but with impact and a sense of purpose. Don’t drink yet; it is still biding its time. Drink 2024-2046 Alc 14%
1 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien 2CC 98
Powerful and tight-knit; will need another three or four years to really get going. But beautifully plush black fruits are already showing their hand, and the chocolate and liquorice touches are in full song. Quality chewy tannins blindfold you a little, with a lick of toasted cedar for an exuberant finish. Drink 2022-2040 Alc 13.5%
Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 1CC 98
Gorgeous purity and precision, displaying as always Lafite’s laid-back elegance and composure – almost nonchalance. It tames with2024-2046 13.5%
