Château Siran 2020

Château Siran produces a lovely, soft, luxurious, and spicy wine.  This is due to the higher percentages of Petit Verdot in the blend.  Many 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. Most of the wines that come out of this appellation are floral, with a delicate lacework.  Though Château Siran is undoubtedly a delicate wine, it has its own unique identity and, with that, a cult following.  For those looking to discover a standout Crus Bourgeoise Supérieur producer, Château Siran is undoubtedly 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 property's first owner.  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 was 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 important changes to the vineyards.  He was passionate about Petit Verdot and planted large portions of it in the vineyards.  This particular choice 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 regarding 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 many 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 undoubtedly 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.

"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Siran features notes of blackcurrant jelly, ripe redcurrants and raspberry leaves, plus suggestions of wild sage, tar and underbrush, with a waft of wild mushrooms. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled and refreshing, delivering approachable, soft tannins and plenty of red berry layers, finishing earthy." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, Ratings: 90-92, Drink: 2024-2040

"Again, excellent quality, a little more closed at the moment than the 2019, but equally impressive, a ton of dark chocolate and liqourice, grilled cumin, cassis and blueberry fruit. Marjolaine Defrance technical director, Hubert de Boüard consulting. 35% new oak for ageing, harvest September 11 to October 3."Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur (11/07/2023) Ratings: 93, Drink: 2027-2040

"Lots of red and blue fruits, spring flowers, graphite, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge from the 2020 Château Siran, a medium-bodied, elegant, incredibly pretty and finesse-driven Margaux. It shows the fresher, elegant style of the vintage and has remarkable purity, fine tannins, and a great finish." Jeb Dunnuck, 2020 Bordeaux from Bottle (3/29/2023) Ratings: 92, Drink: 2025-2045