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

About the winery

Château Margaux is one of those legendary Grands Crus that have been fundamental in the establishment of Bordeaux’s reputation, and more particularly the reputation of the Left Bank, in the Medoc region. At the end of the 17th century, Château Margaux occupied the same land it still occupies today: 262 hectares, one third of which is dedicated to the cultivation of the vine. With the acquisition of the property by André Mentzelopoulos in 1977, Château Margaux turned a new page in its history. A true visionary, the new owner carried out spectacular work both on the vineyard and in the cellars. Following in her father's footsteps after his death, Corinne Mentzelopoulos took control of the family business, injecting her own energy and passion into the Château Margaux estate.

Château Margaux owes its remarkable quality to its rare and unique terroir. The estate’s vineyards are planted mostly with the region’s flagship grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented with Merlot, Petit verdot and Cabernet Franc. The clay-limestone soils of the estate give rise to legendary wines, with a classy and sensual quality. Finesse, rare elegance and complexity are the most relevant characteristics of Château Margaux wines. These wines also offer aromas of rose and violet, concentrated notes of black berries and an olfactory palette exuding the identity of the appellation. On the palate, the body is fantastically structured with highly concentrated tannins without an ounce of bitterness, but with shocking length and freshness.

More about Chateau Margaux here...