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Tasting Notes
The 1990 Chateau Margaux has a deep garnet-brick color. The nose positively explodes—a detonation of crème de cassis, plum preserves, and blueberry pie aromas, which is, given time and much swirling, followed by that classic Margaux perfume of candied violets, incense, fragrant soil, and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with black fruit and exotic spice layers, supported by beautifully plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long with loads of mineral sparks. If you are lucky enough to have a bottle, settle in for an absolute thrill ride with this legendary wine! It is the epitome of Margaux expression, not only of this terroir, but also its caretakers.
Critic Scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1990 Château Margaux has a really fabulous, knock-your-socks-off nose, soaring from the glass with crushed violet, copious black fruit, blueberry and pressed violets. So pure and enticing, this is just magnificent. The palate displays sublime balance and filigree tannins. This is perhaps the freshest example of the 1990 I have encountered to date. Caressing in texture, sumptuous, so much so that it disguises the backbone underneath. This is awesome. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner in Bordeaux.
The 1990 Château Margaux is really beginning to hit its stride at age 31, soaring from the glass with aromas of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of licorice, cedar and violets, framed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's seamless and complete, its velvety tannins and ripe acids entirely cloaked in a lavish but vibrant core of fruit. This is an especially dramatic, fleshy rendition of Margaux, yet it remains impeccably balanced and has decades of longevity ahead of it.
A brilliant wine, still star bright in colour, and full of flesh and fruit. Opens with smoky cigar notes, touches of figs, blackberries, cedar, fine tannins as well as violet and peony aromatics even at 30-plus years old. This wine took home the audience award during the 67 Pall Mall tasting, and it certainly stays with you long after the glass is finished. 100% new oak. Owner Corinne Mentzelopoulos was celebrating 10 years at the helm at this point, with Paul Pontallier just promoted to managing director, after arriving at the property in 1983.
About the producer
Ch. Margaux is one of Bordeaux’s most historic and famous estates. The only classified First Growth in Margaux, it epitomises the appellation’s elegance, while producing wines with fantastic ageing potential.