Chateau Siran Margaux 2019
(Left Bank Bordeaux, France) - [VM 94] [JS 94] [JL 94] [JD 93] [TWI 93] [DM 93] [WS 92]

Château Siran produces a lovely, soft, luxurious, and spicy wine. This is due to the higher percentages of Petit Verdot in the blend. Many familiar with the Margaux appellation would find this surprising, as one does not typically associate this portion of the left bank with a spicy blending varietal usually used for added seasoning to most wines. Most of the wines that come out of this appellation are floral, with a delicate lacework. Though Château Siran is undoubtedly a delicate wine, it has its own unique identity and, with that, a cult following. For those looking to discover a standout Crus Bourgeoise Supérieur producer, Château Siran is undoubtedly a worthy choice.

Château Siran is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc, and records date back to 1428. It was named after Guilhem de Siran, the property's first owner. Château Siran has been owned by the same family since 1858 after purchasing it from the Lautrec family. If the Lautrec name sounds familiar, it would be because the grandparents of the famous French artist Henri de Tolouse-Lautrec owned the estate. The Lautrec family was responsible for the property’s inception, and though it could have been classified in 1855, they declined to be included. Château Siran joined the ranks of Château Phélan Ségur as a Crus Bourgeoise Supérieur and is now in charge of its own destiny.

Eventually, Château Siran was acquired by the Miailhe family. As generations of Miailhes ran the estate, Louis Miailhe made important changes to the vineyards. He was passionate about Petit Verdot and planted large portions of it in the vineyards. This particular choice gave the grand vin from this property its unique qualities. From 1980 to 2005, the Mailhe family gave each bottle of grand vin from Château Siran a special artistic label, a practice that was very much in the vein of the estate Château Mouton Rothschild. Several promising changes have been made to this property regarding a push towards sustainability and organic viticulture. The Miailhe family made several smart hiring decisions, including bringing on Hubert de Boüard of Château Angelus to consult, and the latest vintages are reflecting a rise in quality.

In 2014, there was a massive renovation of the estate, creating a museum of wine-related objects on the property. At the museum, guests can find many objects related to the history of winemaking – even clay amphorae. Interestingly enough, Château Siran has the only cellar in Bordeaux built to withstand a nuclear explosion. This 25-hectare vineyard is planted in one single plot, which is unusual for Margaux. Château Siran is undoubtedly a rising star in the Médoc, and many forward-thinking changes have been made to this property. As of 2020, 10% of the vines will be farmed organically. There is minimal sulfur intervention in the production of the grand vin, and the property has a remarkable sense of commitment to environmentally friendly farming practices. Without a doubt, Château Siran is in a class of its own.

Blend: 47% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Lovely, soft tannins with a juicy and flavorful palate of currants, slightly toasted oak and chocolate. It’s full-bodied and layered with a plush texture and a long, flavorful finish. Warm and rather flamboyant for the vintage. Try in 2025."

94 Points - Vinous, 1/23:
"The 2019 Siran has a classically-styled, reassuringly precise and focused bouquet with plenty of mineralite and tension. The oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine precision and balance, still a bit of oak to be soaked up here but it will with time. Wonderful focus and boasting greater persistence than its peers, this Margaux is firing on all cylinders. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. 2026-2048." -Neal Martin (1/23)                                                                                
94 Points - Jeff Leve,  The Wine Cellar Insider:
"Intensely floral, with a strong note of violets, black cherry, espresso, cocoa and roses on the nose are what you initially notice. From there you move to the voluptuously textured palate with its layers of fresh, ripe, silky black fruit with a touch of spicy chocolate that hits all the right notes. They are doing everything right at Siran these days. This is a beauty from start to finish that for a wine of this quality, sells for a song. As an added bonus, the bottle features a special label design celebrating 160 years of family ownership. Drink from 2024-2047."

94 Points - Vinous, 2/22:
"Just like it was from barrel, the 2019 Siran is a powerful, opulent wine. Raspberry jam, blood orange, mint, wild flowers and rose petal are all amplified in this decidedly heady, sumptuous Margaux. There's not a ton of subtlety, but, then again, who cares? Tasted two times. 2027-2049." -Antonio Galloni (2/22)

94 Points - Vinous, 12/21:
"The 2019 Siran has a very well-defined bouquet of pure black cherry and raspberry fruit, crushed violets and iris petals, and seamlessly integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied, structured and crisp, with fine tannins, impressive delineation and plenty of freshness on the saline finish. One of the best Siran releases in recent years. 2024-2060." --Neal Martin (12/21)

93 Points - Decanter:
"Blackcurrant on the nose, ripe and heady. This has a lovely frame, all held in place though quite tight at the moment, held together by fine but grippy tannins with edges of sweet cedar and liquorice. I like the energy here, it delivers a vibrant glass from start to finish with a burst of bright cherry on the finish. (Drink between 2024-2035)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"One of the finest vintages I've tasted from this château, the 2019 Château Siran has a great bouquet of ripe black cherries, blackberries, scorched earth, leather, and cedary herbs. With medium to full-bodied richness, polished tannins, and outstanding overall balance, it's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and drink nicely over the following 10-15 years. It's an impressive Margaux. Best btwn 2024-2041."

93 Points - The Wine Independent:
"The 2019 Siran has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It charges out with intense notes of baking spice and blackberry preserves, leading to touches of violets, cedar chest, and graphite. The medium-bodied palate has impressive intensity and freshness, with finely grained tannins and a savory lift on the finish. Best btwn 2024-2048."

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Seductive, showing warmed plum and blackberry compote notes that are lush in feel, with pretty violet and anise hints and a flicker of black tea through the finish. This is hard to lay off of now because of its generosity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now."                                                                                                   
91+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Exhibiting aromas of rich currant fruit and creamy new oak, the 2019 Siran is medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chewy finish. This is a flavorful, nicely balanced wine that will reward a bit of bottle age. Best btwn 2025-2045"