The dense purple-hued 2009 exhibits a beautiful nose of blueberry liqueur, acacia flowers, licorice, graphite and wood smoke. Flowery and elegant as well as exceptionally pure, medium to full-bodied, admirably concentrated and rich, it is a big Margaux, but does not lose any of the typicity one expects of wines from this area, which tend to be slightly more elegant and less muscular than the St.-Juliens, Pauillacs and St.-Estephes made further north. Given its tannin profile, the 2009 Boyd-Cantenac requires 5-8 years of cellaring and should last for three decades. This property merits far more attention than it normally receives. While the production at Boyd-Cantenac does not match that of Margaux’s larger estates, this estate consistently over-achieves.

Espresso and smoke notes frame cherry and plum flavors in this firm, focused red, which has firm tannins and fresh acidity, but turns a bit lean and herbal on the finish. Best from 2014 through 2020.

Purple red, slightly smoky, plummy and nicely earthy nose, good depth characterful ripe fruit, big tannins and purity of acidity all in balance.