Chateau Siran 2018

Château Siran produces a lovely soft, luxurious, and spicy wine.  This is due to the higher percentages of Petit Verdot in the blend.  Many who are familiar with the Margaux appellation would find this surprising, as one does not typically associate this portion of the left bank with a spicy blending varietal usually used for added seasoning to most wines. The majority of the wines that come out of this appellation are floral, with a delicate lacework to them.  Though Château Siran is undoubtably a delicate wine, it has its own unique identity and with that a cult following.  For those who are looking to discover a standout Crus Bourgeoise Supérieur producer – Château Siran is without a doubt a worthy choice. 

Château Siran is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc, and records date back to 1428.  It was named after Guilhem de Siran, the first owner of the property.  Château Siran has been owned by the same family since 1858 after purchasing it from the Lautrec family.  If the Lautrec name sounds familiar, it would be because the grandparents of the famous French artist Henri de Tolouse-Lautrec owned the estate.  The Lautrec family were responsible for the property’s inception, and though it could have been classified in 1855, they declined to be included.  Château Siran joined the ranks of Château Phélan Ségur as a Crus Bourgeoise Supérieur and is now in charge of its own destiny. 

Eventually Château Siran was acquired by the Miailhe family.  As generations of Miailhes ran the estate, Louis Miailhe made some important changes to the vineyards.  He was very passionate about Petit Verdot and planted fairly large portions of it in the vineyards.  It was this particular choice that gave the grand vin from this property its unique qualities.   From 1980 to 2005, the Mailhe family gave each bottle of grand vin from Château Siran a special artistic label, a practice that was very much in the vein of the estate Château Mouton Rothschild.  Several promising changes have been made to this property in terms of a push towards sustainability and organic viticulture.  The Miailhe family made several smart hiring decisions, including bringing on Hubert de Boüard of Château Angelus to consult, and the latest vintages are reflecting a rise in quality.

In 2014, there was a massive renovation of the estate, creating a museum of wine related objects on the property.  At the museum, guests can find a plethora of objects related to the history of winemaking – even clay amphorae.  Interestingly enough, Château Siran has the only cellar in Bordeaux built to withstand a nuclear explosion.  This 25-hectare vineyard is planted in one single plot, which is unusual for Margaux. Château Siran is without a doubt a rising star in the Médoc, and many forward-thinking changes have been made to this property.  As of 2020, 10% of the vines will be farmed organically.  There is minimal sulfur intervention in the production of the grand vin and the property has a remarkable sense of commitment to environmentally friendly farming practices.  Without a doubt, Château Siran is in a class of its own.

"Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Siran wafts out of the glass with very pretty scents of red roses, cinnamon stick, chocolate-covered cherries and fragrant earth, giving way to a core of warm cassis and plum preserves, plus a touch of camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate is absolutely laden with rich, juicy black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and plenty freshness, finishing long and perfumed. This very classy, absolutely delicious Margaux tastes great now, but it will reward 3-4 years of cellaring and has the stuffing to continue thereafter for 20+ years." - Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (3/31/2021) Rating: 93, Drink: 2024-2044

"The 2018 Siran is impressive, to say the least. Inky, dark and seductive, the 2018 is gorgeous right out of the bottle. Blue/purplish fruit, mocha, spice, chocolate and new French oak all race across the palate. The high percentage of Merlot is felt in the wine's juiciness and palate-weight, while a kick of brightness energizes the finish. In a word: terrific." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous (3/31/2021) Rating: 93

"This estate consistently turns out an outstanding Margaux, and their 2018 Château Siran is certainly no exception. Lots of spicy currants, graphite, sandalwood, tobacco, and loamy soil notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, expansive, mouth-filling texture, solid tannins, and a great finish. It's not the most elegant Margaux out there, but it's a complex, character-filled beauty that will keep for 15 years." - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, Ratings: 91, Drink: 2021-2036