1961 Giscours
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Tasting notes
The 1961 Giscours is perhaps a hidden gem of the vintage and several bottles testify a Margaux that is just a couple of paces behind that of Palmer. This example has a magnificent bouquet with almost identical aromas to the château bottle, beautifully defined blackberry, estuary mudflats, seaweed and a hint of bay. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very pure and ethereal in style that belies that intensity on displays. The Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the finish so that it offers the upstanding nature of a Pauillac. Classic Giscours and actually one that is reasonably priced given the quality. Tasted at the 1961 dinner Chairman Miaow’s in Hong Kong.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Tasted at the Château Giscours vertical, both Robert Parker and I have given similarly tepid remarks towards the 1961 Château Giscours, even though it had a reputation as one of the best Margaux wines of that fabled vintage. This bottle was the real deal - a simply magnificent wine that far surpassed every vintage until recent years. It has a deep color like the 1970 Giscours, however, the nose is far superior. It is beautifully defined with dark berry fruit, a light marine influence, a distant tang of seaweed and bay leaf. The palate is medium-bodied and of course fully matured. There is far more weight and presence than the 1970, with fine tannin and perfect acidity. Unlike the 1980s when half of the vineyard was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, this would have contained around 80%, which lends for a much better wine. The harmony and silkiness of texture are simply wonderful. This must have been a benchmark Giscours in its day. Tasted June 2015.
About the producer
Ch. Giscours is a Third Growth estate situated in the Médoc appellation of Margaux. With a long and somewhat chequered history, the estate has seen an impressive rise in quality since the early 2000s and is only getting better.