2016 Marojallia

An estate that readers need to get on their radar is the Château Marojallia, which doesn’t get the recognition in the market that it deserves. The property is run by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud and covers four hectares located in the heart of Margaux, with a good portion being high-density plantings and old vines. The 2016 Château Marojallia is a brilliant wine based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot raised all in new French oak. A thrilling bouquet of crème de cassis, high-class smoke tobacco, and a distinct minerality leads to a full-bodied, concentrated Margaux that has a great mid-palate, notable purity of fruit, and building tannins. This fabulous wine deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will keep for 2-3 decades.

The 2016 Marojallia has a rich, opulent bouquet of blackberry, dark chocolate and a touch of maraschino cherry. The palate is well balanced with fine tannin and well-judged acidity. There is a veneer of dark chocolate here, originating from the new oak, but there is good substance underneath and plenty of grip on the finish.

This is very silky and fine-grained with medium to full body, juicy fruit and a pretty finish. Polished. Potential is there. Try from 2021.