1996 Chateau Margaux Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 750ML
Reg: $1,195.00
$925.00
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REVIEWS

DC 100 JA 100 JL 99 WA 98 VN 98 JD 97 WS 95
DC 100

Decanter, June 2021

Softly spoken, fine tannins, pencil lead and leather, with truffle, earth, campfire and spice. Long drawn out finish, achingly slow, crushed stone, tobacco and dried roses. As with the 2001, the generosity and beauty of...
JA 100

janeanson.com, June 2022

One of the wines of 20th century Bordeaux, now at a beautiful moment to drink. I have been lucky enough to taste this a few times recnently, and it delivers every time. Floral edges, gunsmoke, peony, gentle intensity that...
JL 99

TheWineCellarInsider.com, December 2023

This could hit triple digits in a few years. It continues filing out, gaining in complexity, richness, and texturally, additional layers of silk and velvet on the palate are the order of the day. This stunning wine is...
WA 98

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2023

When I used to drink this wine as a student, it generally left me a bit cold, but several recent bottles of the 1996 Château Margaux lead me to think that I must have had bad luck with a poorly stored batch of bottles...
VN 98

Vinous, September 2023

The 1996 Château Margaux stands as one of the pinnacles during Paul Pontallier's illustrious tenure. I remember it dazzling out of barrel, perhaps my first memory of tasting wine at that prenatal stage. It has retained...
JD 97

jebdunnuck.com, February 2020

While the 1996 Château Margaux has been closed and difficult to read for the past decade, it showed beautifully on this occasion, with its hallmark elegance and purity paired with a dense, powerful profile. Still...
WS 95

Wine Spectator, January 2014

Fully formed now, with a rush of steeped currant and black tea notes that are melded with a backdrop of anise, sandalwood, bergamot and charcoal. The long, suave finish lets the perfume linger, with a weighty feel. This...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Margaux
Vintage 1996
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 1996 Chateau Margaux is a legendary Bordeaux blend that exemplifies the pinnacle of winemaking in the Margaux region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, with its deep and alluring color, is a true masterpiece that captures the essence of its terroir and vintage.

Upon pouring, the wine displays exceptional clarity and brilliance, showcasing its impeccable craftsmanship. Its bouquet is an olfactory symphony, with every atom infused with mineralité and subtle pressed flower and violet scents that unfurl with aeration. The nose is a testament to the wine's fabulous tension and freshness, which have been preserved over the years.

On the palate, the 1996 Chateau Margaux exhibits unerring symmetry and perfect balance. It is a wine where everything seems to be in its right place. The filigree tannins and lovely acidity contribute to its remarkable structure and longevity. Flavors of blackberry and crushed stone dance on the front of the mouth, while a touch of spice emerges towards the finish, showcasing the wine's supreme control.

Renowned wine critics have consistently praised this wine. Neal Martin of Vinous awarded it an outstanding score of 98 points, describing it as a wine that "lights up the senses" and may well be the pinnacle of Left Bank wines from the 1990s. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate bestowed a perfect score of 100 points, hailing it as a "strong contender for wine of the vintage" and applauding its breathtaking delineation and freshness.

The 1996 Chateau Margaux is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but its potential for aging is immense. Wine Spectator suggests drinking it through 2031, while Jeb Dunnuck believes it will continue to evolve and improve over the next 4-5 years and can age for 50-75 years.

In conclusion, the 1996 Chateau Margaux is an extraordinary wine that has captivated wine enthusiasts and experts alike. Its impeccable balance, elegance, and complexity make it a true masterpiece that will continue to enchant and delight for decades to come.