Chateau Margaux is a famous wine estate in the Medoc region, which along with Lafite, Latour and Haut Brion, was rated a First Growth in the original 1855 Bordeaux Classification. It covers 262 hectares, of which 82 hectares are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, and 12 hectares to Sauvignon Blanc.

In the 12th century, the property was called “La Mothe de Margaux” (the Margaux mound) and by the 16th century, wine was being produced at the estate. In 1705, the London Gazette advertised the first auction of 230 barrels of “Margose” and the 1771 vintage was the first “claret” to appear in a Christie’s catalogue. Indeed one of America’s Founding Fathers and vintner in his own right, Thomas Jefferson, visited this great estate in the late 18th century and declared it to be a vineyard of “first quality”. When Bertrand Douat, Marquis de la Colonilla, acquired the estate, he built the chateau that is often nicknamed the “Versailles of the Medoc”, a rare example of the neo-palladian style in France.

Andre Mentzelopoulos purchased the property in 1977, investing heavily in the estate and a program of improvements. Since his death in 1980, the property has been run by his daughter Corinne who continued his work in restoring the chateau to its former glory.

Since the 17th Century, the grand vin of Chateau Margaux has been recognized as one of the greatest wines in the entire world. It owes its unique qualities to the genius of its terroir as well as to the passionate work of a succession of generations. It’s a remarkable wine that comes from a combination of characteristics that are only rarely found: finesse, elegance, complexity, density, intensity, length and freshness. Although its tannic concentration may be exceptional, it’s rare to detect astringency.

The great vintages are distinguished by their formidable ability to move us, while the lesser vintages give pleasure to wine enthusiasts. Chateau Margaux has an extraordinary ability to evolve with age, developing finesse, aromatic aromatic complexity, and a remarkable presence on the palate.

A true testament to the prowess and finesse of Bordeaux winemaking, the 1983 Chateau Margaux is a wine that essentially redefined the standard for First Growth. As one savors this exquisite blend, the immediate impression is that of incredible delineation and focus. The aroma is a captivating dance of black fruit, graphite, melted tar, cedar, and pressed rose petals, creating a symphony of scent that is nothing short of breathtaking.

As the wine meets the palate, it offers a balance that is nothing short of exquisite, with finely-sculpted tannins that weave an intricate tapestry of flavor. It dances elegantly on the tongue, its power subtly hidden beneath a guise of elegance and sophistication, fanning out towards the finish with a poise that is truly awe-inspiring.

As you delve deeper into the layers of this remarkable wine, you'll encounter a heart of sweet cassis, cigar box, petroleum jelly, and violets. Its medium to full-bodied character is deep and enveloping, cradling a fleshy core of fruit and melted tannins that lead to a lingering, aromatic finish.

The 1983 Chateau Margaux is a wine of the vintage, stunning in its complexity and radiance. Its vibrant aromas of cassis, lead pencil, and fruit not only fill the nose but follow through on the palate, creating a full-bodied and incredibly velvety mouthfeel. It concludes with a long, long finish that leaves you yearning for another taste.

This is a wine that is fully mature today, making this the perfect time to open a bottle and savor the mastery of Chateau Margaux's 1983 vintage. Its essence of dried and fresh flowers, cherries, plums, currants, earth, forest leaves, and tobacco wrapper is backed up by the wine's intensity, purity, length, and silky, sensuous textures. Enjoy this stunner for several more years at least, and experience the true grandeur of Bordeaux winemaking.