Tasted at the Chateau Giscours vertical, the 2001 Chateau Giscours is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot picked between September 28 and October 12. Comparing it directly with the 2000, I discerned a little more precision on the nose, the fruit a little fresher with lifted mulberry, violet and lavender scents. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, more tensile than the 2000, if not quite the same level of fruit concentration. It is not plump like the previous vintage, though there is fine animation here with a vein of spiciness surfacing towards the finish. This constitutes one of the finest Giscours in recent years, a Margaux with breeding and poise. In retrospect, this was the beginning of a turnaround in fortunes after an inconsistent period throughout the 1990s. Tasted June 2015.

The deep plum/purple-colored 2001 exhibits notes of melted licorice, barbecue spices, violets, black currants, and a hint of blackberries. Medium-bodied and fleshy, with a cunning style that sneaks up on the palate, building in increments, this pure, rich, concentrated yet elegant, charming effort provides further evidence of this chateau’s strong rebound. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.