In Bond Fine Wine. 1996 Château Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 99/100 (RP). Drinking window: 2023–2050. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Château Margaux dates back to the 16th century, crowned as a First Growth in the famous 1855 Classification, and has long been regarded as the most graceful and refined of all the great Médoc estates. Renowned worldwide for its silky texture, haunting perfume and effortless elegance, Château Margaux produces wines of extraordinary purity and complexity, layering cassis, violets, cedar and graphite over impossibly fine tannins.
Robert Parker (RP) — 99/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/04/1999 · Drink 2005-2040
The 1996 Chateau Margaux, which was bottled in September, 1998, is undoubtedly one of the great classics produced under the Mentzelopoulos regime. In many respects, it is the quintessential Chateau Margaux, as well as the paradigm for this estate, combining measured power, extraordinary elegance, and admirable complexity. I tasted the wine on three separate occasions in January, and in short, it'…
Neal Martin (NM) — 100/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 28/10/2016 · Drink 2016-2050
The 1996 Chateau Margaux, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, must be a strong contender for wine of the vintage. It offers everything you desire from this First Growth. It is blessed with breathtaking delineation and freshness on the nose, understated at first and then blossoming with mineral-infused black fruit, hints of blueberry, crushed stone…
Jane Anson (JA) — 100/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 2025-06-01 · Drink 2025-2050
Château Margaux in 1855 was owned by the Aguado family, bought in 1835 by Spanish banker Alejandro María Aguado. This was my wine of the night at the Bern's tasting, just utterly delicious and at a perfect moment to drink but will clearly keep delivering. I love this vintage on the Left Bank generally, and Margaux captures exactly why it is so special. Still so fresh, focused, long draw out, crus…