Beschreibung:

Château Margaux--Vintage 1982
1 dozen bottles per lot
Margaux Wines like the 1900, 1945, 1990, 1996, and 2003 Château Margaux have solidified Margaux's stature as one of the top communes of the Médoc. Margaux is unique among the communes of the Médoc: it is the farthest south (isolated from its three famous cousins to the north, St.-Estèphe, St.-Julien and Pauillac) and is made very several non-contiguous parcels of vineyard land. The appellation of Margaux encompasses the village of Margaux, of course, as well as the villages of Cantenac, Soussans, Labarde, and Arsac. Ideally, the limestone, chalk, clay and sand of Margaux combine (especially where gravel dominates, facilitating drainage) to make a fragrant and silky wine. More Margaux properties were included in the famous classification of 1855 than any other but, unfortunately, many of these châteaux underperformed in the '70s and '80s. The offering before you represents the greatest of what Margaux has to offer, specifically, Château Margaux in all of the greatest vintages of recent history: the '82, the '90, the '96 as well as enough OWCs to make any collector drool. Château Margaux The Commune of Margaux possesses eleven classed growths yet none are as celebrated as its only premier cru , Château Margaux. For generation upon generation it has been synonymous with fine claret and is the only one in its classification where the château name and commune are the same. The wine of Château Margaux has graced the presence of Christie's catalogues from the very beginning. On February 8, 1788 Ch Margeau (sic) became the first mention of any Bordeaux vineyard by name in a Christie's catalogue. With Mr. James Christie himself at the podium selling the wines of the French Ambassador, Count d'Adhemar, at Hyde Park Corner (15 dozen, achieving 49 shillings per dozen). Nearly two hundred years later Château Margaux retains this enviable position in the sale room. The changes of ownership at Margaux have been numerous and for another descriptive reading. Perhaps more noteworthy is that it was once called Lamothe or La Mothe de Margaux and this is of particular interest as it gives us the first clue as to its most distinctive asset, la mothe , the mound or hill of Margaux. The finest vineyards of the Médoc invariably are found on prominent gravel slopes to the west of the river Gironde. These rather exaggerated elevations have many names, 'la Fite' is but regional patois for a mound as is La Mothe (later corrupted into Mouton, hence Mouton-Rothschild) and again with 'Cos' for that great second growth is on a gravelly knoll 60 feet above a lowland marsh. Drainage by association is therefore a key determinant of quality, reducing the amount of rainfall is facilitated by these mounds. However, drainage should not be so efficient that the vines collapse of thirst in the hottest of summers. It is therefore necessary as the saying goes that the finest vineyards have a view of river, not just for drainage and sustenance but also because the vines tend to face the rising and setting sun. Château Margaux is just so situated. No spot in the Château's vineyard is greater than seventy feet above the river. The product of this cherished location is a style of wine that falls somewhere between Latour and Mouton Rothschild on one side, for Margaux typically possesses 80 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Lafite which can be robust in Merlot. However, its ultimate charm and singularity perhaps lies in its incomparable perfume. Château Margaux--Vintage 1982 Margaux, 1er cru classé Levels: nine bottom neck and three very top shoulder; three nicked capsules In original wooden case "Most recently, at the second Wagner tasting: very fragrant, hot-vintage scent; sweeter than the '83, high alcohol, extract and a very dry, tannic finish. Last tasted Nov 2000 ***(**) Long life. " MB, Vintage Wine 1 dozen bottles per lot