Beschreibung:

Château Margaux--Vintage 1983
6 magnums per lot
CHATEAU MARGAUX 78 Hectares of vines 66 Hectares Rouge: 75 Cabernet Sauvignon; 20 Merlot; 5 Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc 12 Hectares Blanc: 100 Sauvignon Blanc Annual production approximately 380,000 bottles The Ginestet family became majority shareholders of Château Margaux in 1949. In 1977 Pierre Ginestet decided to sell the property to André Mentzelopoulos for the sum of 72 million francs. André invested heavily in the Château: in the vineyards new drainage systems were installed and new vines were planted; improvements were made in the cellar in conjunction with the oenologist Emile Peynaud who helped with the reintroduction of Pavillon Rouge; and much restoration work was carried out to the buildings. The success of the 1978 vintage was testament to the hard work and investment undertaken at the property and the high quality reputation of Château Margaux was rapidly re-established. Following his untimely death in 1980, André's daughter Corinne and widow Laure took over the running of the estate. Paul Pontallier was appointed Director and since 1983 they have worked tirelessly to promote and ensure the smooth running of the property. In 1990 Philippe Bascaules was welcomed to the estate management team and this has been strengthened with the arrival of Dr Vincent Millet. The majority of the vineyards are on deep gravel and gravely clay soils which are ideally suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on soils which have higher content of clay and limestone. Average yields are around 40 hectolitres per hectare. The grapes are strictly sorted in the vineyard by highly trained pickers. The wine is aged for between eighteen to twenty four months in new medium-toast barriques, the majority of which are made by the estate's own cooper. Pavillon Rouge was first produced in 1908 and differs from the Grand Vin in having a higher proportion of Merlot and a shorter period of maturation in fifty percent new oak. Pavillon Blanc is made from 12 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc. Grapes are whole bunch pressed; the must is then fermented, and then aged in one-third new barriques with no malolactic fermentation. Château Margaux--Vintage 1983 Margaux, 1er cru classé Lot 162 badly bin-soiled and badly damaged labels. In "HKDNP" import stamped original wooden cases with one case badly damp-affected "A great vintage; Unquestionably the wine of the vintage. It was, as so frequently, exceptionally appealing in cask, vivid purple, with fruit-driven aroma and dramatic taste. I was fortunate enough to taste the wine a dozen times in the 1990s, on several occasions paired with the '82. Although the latter is excellent, the '83's fragrance and finesse puts it ahead. Two very recent notes within a month. The first, in magnum: a very deep core, rich legs, lively and still youthful; initial burst of fragrance but sweaty tannins, then a whiff of tar and coffee. Mouth-drying tannins yet seemed to get softer in the glass. 'Needs 20 years'. Next, in bottle, richly coloured; classic bouquet with Margaux' inimitable scent; delicious fruit and balance. A beautiful wine. Long life. Last tasted Dec 2005" ***** M.B. 6 magnums per lot