February 14, 2025
Margauxs Best Value Wine: Marquis d'Alesme 2020
Bordeaux Bargain: Marquis d'Alesme 2020
“A don't miss wine... Delivers depth and personality and an effortless Margaux finesse." - Jane Anson
Marquis d’Alesme is one of Margaux’s rising stars, quietly establishing itself among the appellation’s finest under the leadership of Marjolaine de Coninck. This historic estate, with roots dating back to 1585, is known for its meticulous approach to winemaking and unwavering commitment to quality. Nestled next to Chateau Margaux, its 15 hectares of vineyards sit on the prized Les Terrasses de Margaux, where gravel-rich soils mixed with sand, clay, and limestone create the perfect conditions for crafting wines of elegance and depth.
The 2020 Marquis d’Alesme is a standout from an already acclaimed vintage, proving that this estate is producing wines worthy of serious attention. Jane Anson describes it as "a don’t miss wine," capturing the essence of Margaux’s finesse while delivering remarkable depth and personality. The blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc is seamlessly structured, earning 96 points from Anson and 94 points from both Neal Martin and Jeb Dunnuck. Expect an expressive nose of dark fruit, lilac, and crushed violets, followed by a palate bursting with vibrant fruit, smooth-textured tannins, and a finish lifted by subtle spice and freshness.
At €30.50 IB per bottle, this is one of the best-value Margaux wines of the 2020 vintage. Compared to its prestigious neighbours, Marquis d’Alesme presents an exceptional opportunity to secure top-tier Margaux quality at an unbeatable price. A smart buy for the cellar, this is a wine that will reward patience beautifully.
Marquis d'Alesme 2020
96 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
A don't miss wine, this has wonderfully powerful fruits delivered with class and character. The abundant tannins have slate-edged grip and the black cassis and bilberry fruits sit alongside waves of oyster shell, liqourice, sage and black pepper. Delivers depth and personality and an effortless Margaux finesse. Harvest September 23 to October 2. Marjolaine de Coninck technical director, owner Nathalie Perrodo.
94 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Château Marquis D'Alesme Becker showed well, and this tiny Margaux estate continues to producer fabulous wines under the helm of Marjolaine de Coninck. Based on 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, it has a juicy, medium-bodied, round, even sexy style that carries lots of cassis and assorted darker, blue fruits, notes of spicy wood, flowers, and violet, soft tannins, terrific balance, and great finish. Coming from a mix of gravelly, sandy soils and aged in 50% new French oak, this beauty hit 14% natural alcohol (no doubt helped by the large Merlot component) and is going to benefit from just a few years of bottle age. It's going to see its 20th birthday in fine form.
94 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
The 2020 Marquis d'Alesme is matured in 50% new oak and was bottled a little later than other châteaux. It has a crisp bouquet with redcurrant, white-tipped strawberry, cedar and crushed violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine and quite saturated tannins, mainly black fruit tinged with spice, smooth in texture with a touch of piquancy towards the finish. It is persistent and it blossoms in the glass. Very fine.