12 bottles per lot
Details
Château Margaux--Vintage 1988
Margaux, 1er cru classé
Tasting Note: Tasting at the château in April 1989, Paul Pontallier informed us that the vines, from July (1988) were under stress which slowed their maturity. The vat sample was opaque, with intense violet rim; fragrant with fruit and spicy new oak. It was bottled late August - early September 1990 and I next tasted it in mid-October. Still very spicy but lovely. At Manfred Wagner's first vertical in 1997, the '88, a double magnum (which we drank in our 'light lunch' break) had what I call an 'Italianate' nose, still very spicy and oaky; fairly sweet, a big, fruity, tannic wines. The following July it was Penning-Roswell's turn, this time alongside its peers: crisp fruit, developing a scent which reminded me of a wet retriever after a day on the moors (actually I don't shoot, but was brought up on the now notorious Saddleworth Moor in Yorkshire). Delicious on the palate, with an interesting texture. I happened to be at Margaux, with friends, at vintage time, September 1998, lunching at a long table with the pickers. However, our simple but hearty fare was craftily supplemented with bottles of the '88. Though unready, with loads of grip, it 'went down a treat'. Most recently, noted at Wagner's second Margaux vertical: still pretty deep; crisp and fragrant, its nose this time not reminding me of damp dogs but thoroughbred stables (I don't ride these days either; but you know what I mean). What did surprise me was that it was softer and more fragrant than I had expected, though lean and astringent after the '98. Nevertheless, a very good wine with considerable length, and future. Last tasted Nov 2000 **(**) Possibly 5-star when fully mature. Say 2010 - 2020. M.B.
12 bottles per lot
Margaux, 1er cru classé
Tasting Note: Tasting at the château in April 1989, Paul Pontallier informed us that the vines, from July (1988) were under stress which slowed their maturity. The vat sample was opaque, with intense violet rim; fragrant with fruit and spicy new oak. It was bottled late August - early September 1990 and I next tasted it in mid-October. Still very spicy but lovely. At Manfred Wagner's first vertical in 1997, the '88, a double magnum (which we drank in our 'light lunch' break) had what I call an 'Italianate' nose, still very spicy and oaky; fairly sweet, a big, fruity, tannic wines. The following July it was Penning-Roswell's turn, this time alongside its peers: crisp fruit, developing a scent which reminded me of a wet retriever after a day on the moors (actually I don't shoot, but was brought up on the now notorious Saddleworth Moor in Yorkshire). Delicious on the palate, with an interesting texture. I happened to be at Margaux, with friends, at vintage time, September 1998, lunching at a long table with the pickers. However, our simple but hearty fare was craftily supplemented with bottles of the '88. Though unready, with loads of grip, it 'went down a treat'. Most recently, noted at Wagner's second Margaux vertical: still pretty deep; crisp and fragrant, its nose this time not reminding me of damp dogs but thoroughbred stables (I don't ride these days either; but you know what I mean). What did surprise me was that it was softer and more fragrant than I had expected, though lean and astringent after the '98. Nevertheless, a very good wine with considerable length, and future. Last tasted Nov 2000 **(**) Possibly 5-star when fully mature. Say 2010 - 2020. M.B.
12 bottles per lot
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