1986 Chateau Margaux Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 750ML
Reg: $895.00
$750.00
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REVIEWS

WS 95 WA 94 JL 93
WS 95

Wine Spectator, January 2014

This has matured fully but still clings to a slightly rugged feel, with a briar patch note framing the core of dried currant, blackberry and bitter cherry fruit. Twinges of alder, plum skin and cedar fill in the finish...
WA 94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2023

The 1986 Château Margaux remains somewhat firm and forbidding as it closes in on its 40th birthday. Offering up aromas of cassis, cigar box and toasty new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and structured, with a sweet...
JL 93

TheWineCellarInsider.com, April 2020

Most wines improve with age, provided they have all the right stuff. Here, you have a wine with all the right stuff, but the hard nature of its tannins and austere character is becoming the dominant force in this wine...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Margaux
Vintage 1986
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 12.5%
Closure Cork

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.

The 1986 Chateau Margaux is a legendary Bordeaux blend that hails from the esteemed Margaux region of France. With its rich history and exceptional quality, this wine is a true gem in the world of fine wines.

In the glass, the 1986 Chateau Margaux displays a deep, garnet red color that is characteristic of a mature wine. The nose is simply enchanting, offering a bouquet of red and black fruits, violets, pastilles, and hints of cold stone. As the wine opens up, it continues to evolve, gaining intensity and complexity.

On the palate, this Margaux reveals its true character. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins, showcasing the robustness of the vintage. However, it still maintains the classic elegance and refinement that Chateau Margaux is known for. The wine displays wonderful delineation and focus, with superb mineralité and tension on the long, ferrous finish.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 1986 Chateau Margaux an impressive score of 97 points. He describes it as a wine that is finally coming of age, with its exquisite bouquet and firm backbone. It is a wine that embodies strictness and classicism, making it a must-have for lovers of this iconic property.

Wine Spectator also praises this vintage, awarding it a score of 95 points. The reviewer notes the wine's deep and powerful nature, highlighting its depth, power, and impressive aging potential. They mention the grippy edge of smoldering charcoal and the briar patch note that adds a slightly rugged feel to the wine.

It is worth noting that the 1986 Chateau Margaux is a wine that continues to evolve and improve with age. However, it is already showing great maturity and can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development. This wine is a true testament to the excellence of Chateau Margaux and the Margaux appellation.