Chateau Margaux 1996 . Margaux . Bottle (3). ... (Total: 3 Btls. )
Description
Chateau Margaux 1996Margaux
Bottle (3)
Carved in Granite: The Maine Cellar. From a distinguished private cellar in coastal Maine comes a collection built for long-term aging. Constructed in the 1970s and carved into granite bedrock, the cellar maintains stable conditions, with temperatures ranging from approximately 52°F to 60°F and consistently high humidity, while bottles are organized by region and vintage, many fitted with handwritten neck tags to minimize handling and preserve condition.
"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 and violet. The palate is perfectly balanced with filigree tannin, perfect acidity, a wine where everything seems to be in its right place. Blackberry, crushed stone at the front of the mouth, just a touch of spice towards the finish that shows supreme control. This is a Margaux that seems to light up the senses. It was outstanding in its youth...something that has not changed one bit over the intervening two decades. This may well turn out to be the Left Bank pinnacle of the 1990s." (100 pts. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate #227, Oct. 2016)
"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 the aromatics tells you that this is absolutely ready to drink - although in many ways it feels like it will last longer than the 2001, as the tannins are still holding everything in place. This got the audience award on the night, and no question it is a stunning wine that is still giving so much pleasure at 25 years old. The 1996 has really grown into itself - it was a late harvest at the time after a burst of rain at the end of September that they decided to wait through before picking, and were rewarded with beautifully ripe Cabernet that was high in dense tannins and a little surly at first, but that has turned into one of the greatest vintages of the 1990s (rivaled only by the 1990 itself in my opinion). 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend, 100% new oak." (100 pts. Jane Anson, Decanter, June 2021)
More information about Chateau Margaux Wine.
Estimate: $1,800 - $2,400.
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