1996 Château Margaux Overview and Evaluation
- Overall Rating: Near-perfect to perfect, often considered one of the top wines of the vintage on the Left Bank.
- Key Descriptors: "Iconic," "Quintessential," "Elegant," "Powerful yet refined," "Immortal."
- Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 99 Points. For more details on Robert Parker's review, see K&L Wine Merchants www.klwines.com.
- Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): 100 Points - Describes it as potentially the Left Bank peak of the 1990s and a Margaux that "seems to light up the senses".
- Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): 99 Points - Notes floral, tobacco, and red berry aromas, with a rich palate
of sweet red fruits and silky tannins
Tasting Notes & Profile
- Nose: Pure and fragrant, with notes of cassis, violets, crushed stones, graphite, tobacco, and cedar.
- Palate: Full-bodied yet elegant and balanced, with a refined tannin structure and notable concentration.
- Finish: Very long and harmonious, with lingering spice, earth, and dark fruit notes.
- Aging Potential: Drinkable now but has significant longevity, with a drinking window often extending through 2040-2050.
Summary of the 1996 Vintage
The 1996 vintage is recognized for its classic style and purity, particularly highlighting the strong performance of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1996 Margaux is seen as a "dream" vintage that successfully blends power with the estate's characteristic elegance.
