Chateau les Barraillots Margaux

Chateau Les Barraillots is the last small and independent wine producer in the village of Margaux and one of only a few “Crus Artisans” in the Margaux appellation. The vineyard was obtained from Palmer and Durfort in 1928 and 1933.

It is situated among the highest elevations in the commune and the soil type is permeable gravel. The modest house and winery are a quarter of a mile away, on the outskirts of town, literally on the other side of the tracks. The Martin family used to raise dairy cows there, not only for the income derived from the milk, but also for the manure used in the vineyard. Yannick Martin, who took over from his father in 2014, told me that growing up he spent way too much time repairing fences. Although Yannick still uses exclusively cow manure as fertilizer, today the cattle are gone and he has more time to concentrate on his wine production.

Martin's Margaux is a modern classic. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the balance in Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot, it is beautifully perfumed, supple, and earthy. Gorgeous notes of dark currant, spiced plum, crushed peppercorn, tobacco, and spice are all on display in this elegant Left Bank Bordeaux.