Chateau Margaux - Margaux 1er Grand Cru classe Red 1996

Grape

90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 1.5% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Tasting notes

The 1996 Château Margaux, a Premier Grand Cru Classé, is widely regarded as one of the estate’s most iconic vintages of the 1990s—a benchmark wine that captures the essence of Margaux’s elegance and precision.

In the glass, it reveals a deep ruby color with youthful vibrancy still present. The nose is complex and refined, offering layers of blackberry, cassis, and violets, interwoven with notes of cedar, graphite, and a subtle hint of licorice.

On the palate, it is structured and powerful, yet perfectly balanced by silky tannins and a vibrant backbone of acidity. There’s a sense of effortless grace, with the fruit, oak, and tertiary nuances in perfect harmony. The finish is long, poised, and hauntingly elegant, a true hallmark of great Margaux.

Now entering its prime, the 1996 continues to show remarkable aging potential, and remains a reference point for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Expert Ratings

Robert Parker 100 Points

Wine Spectator 95 Points 

Neal Martin (Vinous) 98 Points

Decanter 98 Points

More About The Winery

Among the most legendary names in Bordeaux, Château Margaux is a Premier Grand Cru Classé of 1855 and a cornerstone of the Médoc’s Left Bank reputation. Established on the same land it occupies since the 17th century, the estate spans 262 hectares, with around 80 hectares under vine, dedicated to crafting some of the world’s most exquisite wines.

The vineyards are planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, on soils of deep gravel and clay-limestone. This unique terroir yields wines of finesse, sensuality, and complexity, renowned for their aromas of violet, rose, and black berries, layered with impeccable structure and length.

In 1977, the estate entered a new era under André Mentzelopoulos, whose vision and investment restored Margaux’s brilliance. His daughter, Corinne Mentzelopoulos, has since carried forward his legacy, elevating Château Margaux to even greater international acclaim.

The Grand Vin is considered one of the most elegant and age-worthy wines in the world, defined by refined tannins, purity of fruit, and shocking length, while the second wine, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, and the white, Pavillon Blanc, showcase the estate’s pedigree with earlier accessibility.