Château Margaux - Margaux 1998

Wein Wisser

19 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe2/6/2008

Sehr dunkle Farbe, noch jung, sattes, dichtes Purpur mit lila Schimmer. Würziges, tiefes Bouquet, reife, schwarze Pflaumen, Cassis und Damassine, Lakritze, Trüffelspuren, tolle Tiefe zeigend. Im gaumen noch massiv, verlangende Adstringenz, eine Mischung von Kraft und Fleisch, schwarze Beeren, zu Beginn leicht zu unterschätzen, wird sich in Richtung eines ganz grossen Margaux entwickeln. Verglichen mit anderen grossen Margaux ist der 1998er noch relativ günstig.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/5/2005

Le 1998 de Margaux ressemble de plus en plus à son ainé de 1988. D’un rubis-pourpre dense, il est tannique et austère, mais élégant. Il révèle des notes de goudron, de mûre et de fleur d’acacia nuancées de doux chêne grillé. L’ensemble, moyennement corsé et très structuré, s’exprime avec subtilité malgré sa richesse. Il est indiscutablement armé pour la garde. A boire entre 2008 et 2030.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2001

The 1998 Margaux's color is a dense ruby/purple. The wine is tannic and austere, but elegant, with notes of asphalt, blackberries, acacia flowers, and sweet, toasty oak. Subtle, rich, nicely-textured, and medium-bodied, it is built for the long haul. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/2001

Gorgeous aromas of berry, currant and exotic spices, especially cinnamon. Medium- to full-bodied, with layers of silky tannins and ripe berry and raspberry on the palate. An outstanding Margaux. Best after 2006.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/1/2000

Performing well, the 1998 is sweeter and fatter than when tasted last year. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a distinctive nose of melted licorice infused with cassis and toasty new oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied with grip, structure, and moderate tannin, but the tannin seems to have been digested by the wine's sweet, concentrated fruit. Long, pure, and both feminine and powerful, this 1998 will be at its peak between 2008-2025.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

Forty-five percent of Chateau Margaux's 1998 crop made it into the grand vin, a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The harvest began on September 28 and continued under mixed conditions until October 9. It is a classy Margaux, with a dark ruby/purple color, sweet tannin, medium weight, and excellent floral and black currant fruit intermixed with toasty new oak. The wine is concentrated, with a velvety texture, and a nicely layered finish. A quintessentially elegant wine, it does not possess much power and concentration, but it is captivating and charming. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2022. By the way, the 1998 may be the finest Pavillon Blanc (100% Sauvignon Blanc made from yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare) produced at Chateau Margaux. It is a superbly elegant, concentrated wine with copious fruit and glycerin, and a full-bodied finish. Lovers of intense, honeyed, dry Sauvignon Blanc will love this delicious effort. It unquestionably merits an outstanding rating.