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’s a beauty! The color is opaque purple. The wine offers extraordinarily

pure notes of blackberries, cassis, pain grille, and flowers, gorgeous sweetness,

a seamless personality, and full body, with nothing out of place. Anticipated

maturity: 2005 - 2040. /RP /Apr 1999