Margaux 1997

Margaux, First Growth

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Tasting Notes

Undoubtedly a success for the vintage, this immensely charming, dark ruby/purple-colored wine exhibits floral, black currant, and smoky, toasty oak aromas. There is admirable richness, excellent ripeness, not a great deal of density, or superb concentration, but plenty of finesse, suppleness, and character. It can be drunk young, or cellared for 12-15 years.

Score: 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2000-2015 01 April 2000

The 1997 Chateau Margaux is an immensely charming, open-knit, beautifully made wine offering soft, lush blackberry/cassis fruit intermixed with toasty oak. The wine exhibits excellent concentration, a seductive personality, and an easy-going, round, expansive finish. It should be drinkable after bottling in June, and last for 15 or more years. I would not be surprised to see this wine's rating rise; I just wish it were less expensive.

Score: 90 - 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2000-2015 01 April 1999

Margaux, which made an outstanding wine in 1995, and a prodigiously monumental wine in 1996, turned out an alluring, soft, delicious 1997 that will offer immediate appeal. The harvest occurred between September 15 and October 2. Fifty percent of the crop made it into the grand vin, which is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. While the administrator, Paul Pontallier, informed me that the 1997 has the same amount of tannin as the 1985, the wines' texture and styles, while not totally different, are dissimilar. The wine exhibits a dense purple color, followed by an open-knit, charming nose of creme de cassis, pain grille, and minerals. In the mouth, the wine reveals beautifully ripe fruit, low acid, a suave, silky texture, remarkable suppleness and complexity for such a young wine, and a round, generous, moderately long finish. This wine will be drinkable when released, but keep for 15-20 years. Think of it as a sweeter, fruitier version of the 1985.

Score: 90 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 1998-2018 01 April 1998