Here’s something a little different for you…a limited edition mixed vintage case of Château Giscours, Margaux (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015), offered here at £560 per 6 bottle case in bond.
This is not the sort of thing we would usually offer. Most mixed vintage cases we come across invariably include some "off" vintages, minimising their appeal. However, this mixed case showcases a fine run of vintages, released by the Château to celebrate 25 years of the Albada Jelgersma family at the helm.
A note on the estate
Château Giscours is one of Margaux’s larger estates, with over 80 hectares of vineyards, planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (30%) and some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The Château was classified as 3ème Cru Classé (Third Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, though its reputation plummeted in the early 20th century, and when the estate was sold to Nicolas Tari in 1954, the vineyards were in such poor condition that only 10 hectares were producing fruit. Tari (one of the 11 judges at the infamous Judgement of Paris tasting) oversaw the restoration of the estate through the latter half of the 20th century, investing heavily to produce a wine worthy of 3ème Cru Classé status, so that when he sold to Eric Albada Jelgersma in 1995, the estate had firmly re-established itself as a reputable producer of high quality wines.
Also in 1995, Alexander van Beek arrived at Château Giscours for a two-month internship over harvest. He never left, and by 1998 he was managing director of the estate, a position he holds to this day. He has overseen significant replanting, increasing the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, and increasing vine density. The more densely the vines are planted, the more competition between the roots for water and nutrients. This controls the vigour of the vine and ultimately the yield, leading to wines of greater concentration and structure. The Giscours style is one of great aromatic intensity, concentrated ripe black fruit and elegant but firm tannins.
A note on the vintages
1990
At the time still under the ownership of Nicolas Tari, 1990 was widely recognised as a great vintage on the Left Bank, characterised by a sweet ripeness, silky texture and a balancing freshness. With exotic aromatics, and a balance of sweet fruit and fresh minerality, this is a fine Giscours.
1995
1995, Albada Jelgersma’s first vintage, was successful for many estates. The predominance of Merlot in the blend at that time helped produce a Giscours of welcome richness, with sweet fruit and powerful structure.
2000
Another vintage that was widely met with acclaim, 2000 was a vintage of flamboyant, opulent styles. Giscours produced a fine example, intensely aromatic, ripe and fleshy, yet still retaining its precision.
2005
A blockbuster vintage, and one that produced a raft of stunning wines, which had all the elements for great longevity – power, richness and freshness. The 2005 Giscours is a perfumed, seductive wine with plenty of character. Worth holding on to.
2010
Another fantastic vintage across the board, the 2010 Giscours is focused and mineral, with a core of dark, concentrated fruit…also worth holding on to.
2015
A warm year, 2015 produced juicy, opulent wines. One of the finest Giscours in recent years, the 2015 retains poise and freshness with amazing fruit density and fine tannins.
This fascinating case offers a unique opportunity to taste a run of stunning vintages, and goes to illustrate the evolving style of this great estate, which still offers remarkable value.
Château Giscours, Margaux (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015), £560 per 6 bottle case in bond.
With only 600 mixed cases produced, stocks are extremely limited, and we will be offering on a first come first serve basis, so do please respond quickly to avoid disappointment!
Stocks should be available for delivery by January 2021.
Best wishes
Laura