2 double-magnums per lot
Details
CHATEAU MARGAUX
The Commune of Margaux possesses eleven classed growths yet none are as celebrated as its only premier cru, 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 from 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 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 49s per dozen).
Nearly two hundred years later Château Margaux retains this enviable position in the sale room. The change 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, the Lamothe 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, hense 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 sustenance 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.
Property of a Gentleman
Recently removed by Christie's from a temperature and humidity controlled, private, below ground level, home cellar.
Château Margaux--Vintage 1981
Margaux, 1er cru classé
Levels: into neck; heavy damp stained labels
2 double-magnums per lot
The Commune of Margaux possesses eleven classed growths yet none are as celebrated as its only premier cru, 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 from 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 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 49s per dozen).
Nearly two hundred years later Château Margaux retains this enviable position in the sale room. The change 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, the Lamothe 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, hense 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 sustenance 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.
Property of a Gentleman
Recently removed by Christie's from a temperature and humidity controlled, private, below ground level, home cellar.
Château Margaux--Vintage 1981
Margaux, 1er cru classé
Levels: into neck; heavy damp stained labels
2 double-magnums per lot
Provenance
Acquired by the current owner upon initial commercial release