Margaux

Tasting Notes:
A fabulous effort, the dense purple-tinged 2005 Margaux (85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot) possesses an ethereal lightness reminiscent of the 1996 Margaux and 2005 Lafite-Rothschild. Beautiful aromas of flowers as well as blue and black fruits, silky tannin, full-bodied power, laser-like precision, and superb purity and length are found in this wine of extraordinary integrity and class. While it is one of the few 2005 first-growths that will be approachable within a decade, it should prove to be uncommonly long-lived (even by Bordeaux standards), lasting 50-60+ years. The Wine Advocate #170 Apr-07.
Parker Points: 98
Drinking Period: 2017-2067

Tasting Notes:
Another celestial effort from Paul Pontallier and Corinne Mentzelopoulus, the 2005 Margaux, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, boasts a dense opaque blue/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and, despite its having spent two years in 100% new wood, only a subtle touch of toasty oak. Although full-bodied, the wine seems light on its feet because of the silky tannins as well as the great gravel terroir from which it comes. Beautiful purity, length, and nobility define this modern day classic. Is it better than the 2000, 1996, 1990, or some of the vintages from the decade of the eighties? Who knows, but it is unquestionably one of the all-time great wines made at Chateau Margaux. This estate has produced only exceptional wines over the last three decades. The seamlessness of the 2005 suggests it will perform well early, but it should last for a half century or more. Wine Advocate # 176 Apr 2008
Parker Points: 98
Drinking Period: 2013-2050+.

Tasting Notes:
Another celestial effort from Paul Pontallier and Corinne Mentzelopoulus, the 2005 Margaux, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, boasts a dense opaque blue/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and, despite its having spent two years in 100% new wood, only a subtle touch of toasty oak. Although full-bodied, the wine seems light on its feet because of the silky tannins as well as the great gravel terroir from which it comes. Beautiful purity, length, and nobility define this modern day classic. Is it better than the 2000, 1996, 1990, or some of the vintages from the decade of the eighties? Who knows, but it is unquestionably one of the all-time great wines made at Chateau Margaux. This estate has produced only exceptional wines over the last three decades. The seamlessness of the 2005 suggests it will perform well early, but it should last for a half century or more. Wine Advocate # 176 Apr 2008
Parker Points: 98
Drinking Period: 2013-2050+.

Tasting Notes:
The supple-textured 2004 Chateau Margaux is reminiscent of the 2001 or 1999. It exhibits a superb blue/purple color to the rim as well as sweet aromas of flowers, blueberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and smoke, superb fruit intensity, medium body, classic elegance, and silky, sweet tannin in the long finish. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for two decades or more. The Wine Advocate #171 Jun-07.
Parker Points: 93
Drinking Period: 2007-2027

Tasting Notes:
The supple-textured 2004 Chateau Margaux is reminiscent of the 2001 or 1999. It exhibits a superb blue/purple color to the rim as well as sweet aromas of flowers, blueberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and smoke, superb fruit intensity, medium body, classic elegance, and silky, sweet tannin in the long finish. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for two decades or more. The Wine Advocate #171 Jun-07.
Parker Points: 93
Drinking Period: 2007-2027

Tasting Notes:
Am I being too stingy with the 2003 Chateau Margaux? A wine of extraordinary complexity and intensity, it reveals a deep purple color, a style not unlike the 1990 Margaux (possibly even more concentrated), a velvety texture, and notes of spring flowers interwoven with camphor, melted licorice, creme de cassis, and pain grille. Not a blockbuster, it offers extraordinary intensity as well as a surreal delicacy/lightness. There is riveting freshness to this offering, which tips the scales at a lofty (for this estate) 13.5% alcohol, as well as an alluring sweetness and accessibility. It probably will tighten up over the next few years. Nevertheless, it is a profound Chateau Margaux that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of the 1982 and 1990. Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Parker Points: 99
Drinking Period: 2011-2035

Tasting Notes:
Am I being too stingy with the 2003 Chateau Margaux? A wine of extraordinary complexity and intensity, it reveals a deep purple color, a style not unlike the 1990 Margaux (possibly even more concentrated), a velvety texture, and notes of spring flowers interwoven with camphor, melted licorice, creme de cassis, and pain grille. Not a blockbuster, it offers extraordinary intensity as well as a surreal delicacy/lightness. There is riveting freshness to this offering, which tips the scales at a lofty (for this estate) 13.5% alcohol, as well as an alluring sweetness and accessibility. It probably will tighten up over the next few years. Nevertheless, it is a profound Chateau Margaux that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of the 1982 and 1990. Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Parker Points: 99
Drinking Period: 2011-2035

Tasting Notes:
Am I being too stingy with the 2003 Chateau Margaux? A wine of extraordinary complexity and intensity, it reveals a deep purple color, a style not unlike the 1990 Margaux (possibly even more concentrated), a velvety texture, and notes of spring flowers interwoven with camphor, melted licorice, creme de cassis, and pain grille. Not a blockbuster, it offers extraordinary intensity as well as a surreal delicacy/lightness. There is riveting freshness to this offering, which tips the scales at a lofty (for this estate) 13.5% alcohol, as well as an alluring sweetness and accessibility. It probably will tighten up over the next few years. Nevertheless, it is a profound Chateau Margaux that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of the 1982 and 1990. Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Parker Points: 99
Drinking Period: 2011-2035

Tasting Notes:
Bottled in late November, 2002, the 2000 has turned out to be a colossal example of Chateau Margaux that is tasting even better from bottle than it was from cask. Only 40% of the crop made it into this 2000 Margaux, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Stylistically, it is somewhat of a hybrid between the succulent, opulent, fleshy 1990, and the more delineated, structured, cooler climate-tasting 1996. The 2000 possesses a saturated ruby/purple color to the rim as well as an extraordinarily promising nose of creme de cassis intermixed with white flowers, licorice, and hints of espresso and toasty oak. There is great intensity, compelling purity, a multi-layered, full-bodied palate, and a finish that goes on for nearly 70+ seconds. Bottled naturally, with no filtration, it is a monumental example of the elegance and power that symbolize this extraordinary vineyard. A tour de force in winemaking, many of my colleagues predicted, far earlier than me, that it would be the
Parker Points: 100
Drinking Period: 2012-2050

Tasting Notes:
Bottled in late November, 2002, the 2000 has turned out to be a colossal example of Chateau Margaux that is tasting even better from bottle than it was from cask. Only 40% of the crop made it into this 2000 Margaux, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Stylistically, it is somewhat of a hybrid between the succulent, opulent, fleshy 1990, and the more delineated, structured, cooler climate-tasting 1996. The 2000 possesses a saturated ruby/purple color to the rim as well as an extraordinarily promising nose of creme de cassis intermixed with white flowers, licorice, and hints of espresso and toasty oak. There is great intensity, compelling purity, a multi-layered, full-bodied palate, and a finish that goes on for nearly 70+ seconds. Bottled naturally, with no filtration, it is a monumental example of the elegance and power that symbolize this extraordinary vineyard. A tour de force in winemaking, many of my colleagues predicted, far earlier than me, that it would be the
Parker Points: 100
Drinking Period: 2012-2050

Tasting Notes:
Bottled in late November, 2002, the 2000 has turned out to be a colossal example of Chateau Margaux that is tasting even better from bottle than it was from cask. Only 40% of the crop made it into this 2000 Margaux, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Stylistically, it is somewhat of a hybrid between the succulent, opulent, fleshy 1990, and the more delineated, structured, cooler climate-tasting 1996. The 2000 possesses a saturated ruby/purple color to the rim as well as an extraordinarily promising nose of creme de cassis intermixed with white flowers, licorice, and hints of espresso and toasty oak. There is great intensity, compelling purity, a multi-layered, full-bodied palate, and a finish that goes on for nearly 70+ seconds. Bottled naturally, with no filtration, it is a monumental example of the elegance and power that symbolize this extraordinary vineyard. A tour de force in winemaking, many of my colleagues predicted, far earlier than me, that it would be the
Parker Points: 100
Drinking Period: 2012-2050

Tasting Notes:
99 points. The 1996 Chateau Margaux, which was bottled in September 1998, is undoubtedly one of the great classics produced under the Mentzelopoulous regime. In many respects it is the quinessential Chateau Margaux, as well as the paradigm of this estate, combining measured power, extraordinary elegance and admirable complexity. I tasted this wine on three separate occaisons in January and in short it's a beauty. The colour is opaque purple. The wine offers extraordinary pure notes of blackberries, cassis, pain grille and flowers, gorgeous sweetness, a seamless personality and full body with nothing out of place. The final blend (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) contains the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1986. Both Corinne Mentzelopoulos and administrator Paul Pontallier claim they prefer it to the 1995, which is saying something given how fabulous that wine has turned out. When tasted side by side, the 1996 does taste more complete and longer, although just as backward. My instincts suggest this wine will shut down, but at present it is open-knit, tasting like a recently bottled wine. The fruit is exceptionally sweet and pure and there are layers of flavour in the mouth. I posed the question last year as to whether it was capable of surpassing the quality of the 1995, 1990, 1986, 1983 and 1982? Time will tell. Personally, I prefer the opulence and viscosity of the 1990 from a purely hedonistic standpoint, but I do believe this wine will develop an extraordinary perfume and possess the same level of richness as the most concentrated vintages Margaux has produced. It is one of the strongest candidates for the wine of the vintage. Anticipated maturity 2005 - 2040. Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate 4/99.
Parker Points: 99
Drinking Period:  -

Tasting Notes:
99 points. The 1996 Chateau Margaux, which was bottled in September 1998, is undoubtedly one of the great classics produced under the Mentzelopoulous regime. In many respects it is the quinessential Chateau Margaux, as well as the paradigm of this estate, combining measured power, extraordinary elegance and admirable complexity. I tasted this wine on three separate occaisons in January and in short it's a beauty. The colour is opaque purple. The wine offers extraordinary pure notes of blackberries, cassis, pain grille and flowers, gorgeous sweetness, a seamless personality and full body with nothing out of place. The final blend (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) contains the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1986. Both Corinne Mentzelopoulos and administrator Paul Pontallier claim they prefer it to the 1995, which is saying something given how fabulous that wine has turned out. When tasted side by side, the 1996 does taste more complete and longer, although just as backward. My instincts suggest this wine will shut down, but at present it is open-knit, tasting like a recently bottled wine. The fruit is exceptionally sweet and pure and there are layers of flavour in the mouth. I posed the question last year as to whether it was capable of surpassing the quality of the 1995, 1990, 1986, 1983 and 1982? Time will tell. Personally, I prefer the opulence and viscosity of the 1990 from a purely hedonistic standpoint, but I do believe this wine will develop an extraordinary perfume and possess the same level of richness as the most concentrated vintages Margaux has produced. It is one of the strongest candidates for the wine of the vintage. Anticipated maturity 2005 - 2040. Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate 4/99.
Parker Points: 99
Drinking Period:  -

Tasting Notes:
96 points. The 1986 Margaux continues to be the most powerful, tannic, and muscular Margaux made in decades. One wonders if the 1928 or 1945 had as much power and depth as the 1986? The black/ruby/purple color reveals no sign of age. The reluctant nose offers up aromas of smoky, toasty new oak and blackcurrants, as well as a few flowers. The wine is mammoth, with extraordinary extract, superb balance, and a frightfully tannic finish. A Margaux of immense stature, it is made in a masculine, full-bodied style that is in complete contrast to the 1990. It should prove nearly immortal in terms of aging potential, but will it have the awesome potential I first predicted? Tasted 12 Times Since Bottling With Consistent Notes. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2050. Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate 10/94.
Parker Points:  -
Drinking Period:  -

Tasting Notes:
The 1983 Margaux is a breathtaking wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes achieved perfect maturity in 1983, and the result is an astonishingly rich, concentrated, atypically powerful and tannic Margaux. The color is dark ruby, the aromas exude ripe cassis fruit, violets, and vanillin oakiness, and the flavors are extremely deep and long on the palate with a clean, incredibly long finish. This full-bodied, powerful wine remains stubbornly backward and at least 5-6 years away from maturity. Last tasted 9/97. Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1 Jan 1998
Parker Points: 96
Drinking Period: 2002-2030

Tasting Notes:
The 1983 Margaux is a breathtaking wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes achieved perfect maturity in 1983, and the result is an astonishingly rich, concentrated, atypically powerful and tannic Margaux. The color is dark ruby, the aromas exude ripe cassis fruit, violets, and vanillin oakiness, and the flavors are extremely deep and long on the palate with a clean, incredibly long finish. This full-bodied, powerful wine remains stubbornly backward and at least 5-6 years away from maturity. Last tasted 9/97. Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1 Jan 1998
Parker Points: 96
Drinking Period: 2002-2030

Tasting Notes:
96 points. This is an atypically powerful, thick, ruggedly constructed Margaux that has been downgraded slightly because of a certain coarseness I have detected in the tannin as the wine has evolved. Nevertheless, I would be thrilled to drink this wine - anytime, any place. It may just be that the wine's tannin and structure are more noticeable than in the past. The opaque purple/garnet color is followed by an intense, sweet nose of truffles, cassis, smoke, flowers, and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with impressive levels of glycerin, extract, and tannin, this large-scaled, robust Margaux may not possess the sheer class and breed of such other great Margaux vintages as 1983, 1986, and 1990, but it offers a huge, massive mouthful of thick, succulent wine. The elevated tannin in the finish suggests the wine should be cellared for another 5-7 years, but the thick, juicy chewiness so common in the top 1982s is hard to resist. Tasted 20 times since bottling with consistent notes. Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate 12/97.
Parker Points:  -
Drinking Period:  -

Tasting Notes:
Medium colour. A little hard and raw on the nose. Better on the palate. Good balance here. Stylish fruit. Medium to medium-full body. Ripe, with very good acidity. The tannins are a little aggressive at present, and there is no sign of the new wood. But it will round off. Good plus. From 2002. Clive Coates - The Vine 6/97.
Parker Points:  -
Drinking Period:  -