1 impériale 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 the château name and commune are the same. The wine of Cheau 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 Cheau Margaux retains this enviable position in the sale room.
The changes of ownership at Margaux have been 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, la mothe, the mound 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 exaggerated 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 sustenance but also because the vines tend to face the rising and setting sun.
Cheau Margaux is just so situated. No spot in the Cheau'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 singularity perhaps lies in its incomparable perfume.
Château Margaux--Vintage 1983
Margaux, 1er cru classé
Slightly bin soiled label, protruding cork
"If I were to sum up the '83 Margaux, it would be as noted at John Jenkins' dinner (Oct 2000): a beautiful colour, medium deep and still youthful; the unbeatable Margaux fragrance soaring out of the glass; sweet, soft and rich. It fills the mouth with flavour and seems to last forever. Last tasted at Manfred Wagner's Margaux vertical in Zurich, Nov 2000 *****" MB, Vintage Wine
1 impériale 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 the château name and commune are the same. The wine of Cheau 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 Cheau Margaux retains this enviable position in the sale room.
The changes of ownership at Margaux have been 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, la mothe, the mound 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 exaggerated 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 sustenance but also because the vines tend to face the rising and setting sun.
Cheau Margaux is just so situated. No spot in the Cheau'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 singularity perhaps lies in its incomparable perfume.
Château Margaux--Vintage 1983
Margaux, 1er cru classé
Slightly bin soiled label, protruding cork
"If I were to sum up the '83 Margaux, it would be as noted at John Jenkins' dinner (Oct 2000): a beautiful colour, medium deep and still youthful; the unbeatable Margaux fragrance soaring out of the glass; sweet, soft and rich. It fills the mouth with flavour and seems to last forever. Last tasted at Manfred Wagner's Margaux vertical in Zurich, Nov 2000 *****" MB, Vintage Wine
1 impériale per lot