1 dozen bottles per lot
Details
CHÂTEAU MARGAUX
The Commune of Margaux possesses eleven classed growths yet none are as celebrated as its only premier cru classé, Château Margaux. For generation upon generation it has been synonymous with fine claret and is the only one in its classification where château name and commune are the same. So familar is this name that it is actually more difficult for some to name, let alone prounounce, that famous commune of which Latour and Lafite are born. The wine of Château Margaux has graced the presence of Christie's catalogues from the very beginning. On February 8, 1788 Ch Margeau (sic) became the first mention of any Bordeaux vineyard by name in a Christie's catalogue. With Mr. James Christie himself at the podium selling the wines of the French Ambassador, Count d'Adhemar, at Hyde Park Corner (15 dozen, achieving 49 shillings per dozen). Nearly two hundred years later Château Margaux retains this enviable position in the sale room. The changes of ownership at Margaux are numerous and for another descriptive reading. Perhaps more noteworthy is that it was once called Lamothe or La Mothe de Margaux and this is of particular interest as it gives us the first clue as to its most distinctive asset, the mound, la mothe or hill of Margaux. The finest vineyards of the Médoc invariably are found on prominent gravel slopes to the west of the river Gironde. These rather exagerated elevations have many names, 'la Fite' is but regional patois for a mound as is La Mothe (later corrupted into Mouton, hence Mouton-Rothschild) and again with 'Cos' for that great second growth is on a gravelly knoll 60 feet above a lowland marsh. Drainage by association is therefore a key determinant of quality, reducing the amount of rainfall is facilitated by these mounds. However, drainage should not be so efficient that the vines collapse of thirst in the hottest of summers. It is therefore necessary as the saying goes that the finest vineyards have a view of river, not just for drainage and sustinence but also because the vines tend to face the rising and setting sun. Château Margaux is just so situated. No spot in the Château's vineyard is greater than seventy feet above the river. The product of this cherished location is a style of wine that falls somewhere between Latour and Mouton Rothschild on one side, for Margaux typically possesses 80 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Lafite which can be robust in Merlot. However, its ultimate charm and singluarity perhaps lies in its incomparable perfume.
Château Margaux--Vintage 1966
Margaux, 1er cru classé
Lot 38 levels: four bottom neck and eight very top shoulder. Lot 39 levels: eight top and four upper/top shoulder. Lot 40 levels: three bottom neck, six very top and three top shoulder. Lot 41 levels: top shoulder. Lot 38 five with oxidized capsules. Lot 39 three with oxidized capsules
All lots in original wooden cases, bands removed prior to inspection
"It was also showing well at the 1966 Wine Experience gala dinner in New York, a bit restrained on the nose until it decided to relax and open up. Still tannic. The most instructive events were Manfred Wagner's two Margaux vertical tastings in Zurich, my notes and ratings not dissimilar, in both instances (1997 and 2000) it was interesting to see how well the bouquet developed -- about 45 minutes to reach perfection. Both were in good condition with fine flavour, texture and length. Last tasted Nov 2000 **** Time in hand". MB, Vintage Wine
1 dozen bottles per lot
The Commune of Margaux possesses eleven classed growths yet none are as celebrated as its only premier cru classé, Château Margaux. For generation upon generation it has been synonymous with fine claret and is the only one in its classification where château name and commune are the same. So familar is this name that it is actually more difficult for some to name, let alone prounounce, that famous commune of which Latour and Lafite are born. The wine of Château Margaux has graced the presence of Christie's catalogues from the very beginning. On February 8, 1788 Ch Margeau (sic) became the first mention of any Bordeaux vineyard by name in a Christie's catalogue. With Mr. James Christie himself at the podium selling the wines of the French Ambassador, Count d'Adhemar, at Hyde Park Corner (15 dozen, achieving 49 shillings per dozen). Nearly two hundred years later Château Margaux retains this enviable position in the sale room. The changes of ownership at Margaux are numerous and for another descriptive reading. Perhaps more noteworthy is that it was once called Lamothe or La Mothe de Margaux and this is of particular interest as it gives us the first clue as to its most distinctive asset, the mound, la mothe or hill of Margaux. The finest vineyards of the Médoc invariably are found on prominent gravel slopes to the west of the river Gironde. These rather exagerated elevations have many names, 'la Fite' is but regional patois for a mound as is La Mothe (later corrupted into Mouton, hence Mouton-Rothschild) and again with 'Cos' for that great second growth is on a gravelly knoll 60 feet above a lowland marsh. Drainage by association is therefore a key determinant of quality, reducing the amount of rainfall is facilitated by these mounds. However, drainage should not be so efficient that the vines collapse of thirst in the hottest of summers. It is therefore necessary as the saying goes that the finest vineyards have a view of river, not just for drainage and sustinence but also because the vines tend to face the rising and setting sun. Château Margaux is just so situated. No spot in the Château's vineyard is greater than seventy feet above the river. The product of this cherished location is a style of wine that falls somewhere between Latour and Mouton Rothschild on one side, for Margaux typically possesses 80 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Lafite which can be robust in Merlot. However, its ultimate charm and singluarity perhaps lies in its incomparable perfume.
Château Margaux--Vintage 1966
Margaux, 1er cru classé
Lot 38 levels: four bottom neck and eight very top shoulder. Lot 39 levels: eight top and four upper/top shoulder. Lot 40 levels: three bottom neck, six very top and three top shoulder. Lot 41 levels: top shoulder. Lot 38 five with oxidized capsules. Lot 39 three with oxidized capsules
All lots in original wooden cases, bands removed prior to inspection
"It was also showing well at the 1966 Wine Experience gala dinner in New York, a bit restrained on the nose until it decided to relax and open up. Still tannic. The most instructive events were Manfred Wagner's two Margaux vertical tastings in Zurich, my notes and ratings not dissimilar, in both instances (1997 and 2000) it was interesting to see how well the bouquet developed -- about 45 minutes to reach perfection. Both were in good condition with fine flavour, texture and length. Last tasted Nov 2000 **** Time in hand". MB, Vintage Wine
1 dozen bottles per lot