Margaux - Margaux 1999

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byNeal Martinthe10/28/2016

The 1999 Chateau Margaux has been the standout First Growth since I first tasted the wine from barrel. Now reaching its plateau of maturity, it has an understated nose at first, armed with impressive mineralité with a gorgeous graphite seam. The definition and precision here is top class. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth in texture, very harmonious and assured, surprisingly with some new oak still to be fully assimilated into the wine. The signature Margaux traits of crushed black cherries and violets comes through towards the finish, suggestions of raspberry reserve and desiccated orange peel enhancing the long finish. Perhaps I might temper my initial enthusiasm for the 1999 Château Margaux...but only slightly. It comes highly recommended. Tasted May 2016.

Wein Wisser

19 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe2/6/2008

Extrem dunkles Granat mit lila Schimmer. In der Nase schon aus einer Distanz von 20cm erkennbar, dass es sich um einen denkwürdigen Wein handeln muss, komplexes Nasenbild, schon im ersten Ansatz perfekt, Walnüsse, Dörrpflaumen, Kaffee, ein dramatisches Terroir-/Süssspiel, von Malz- und Darjeelingnoten durchsetzt, schwarze Trüffel, ein Hauch Zitronenthymian (Château Rayas Nuancen), vor allem viel reifes, vielschichtig duftendes Cassis. Unglaubliche Komplexität auch im Gaumen, weich, samtig mundberstend füllig und doch nicht fett, jedes Detail stimmt, fröhlicher Tanz der Beeren, cremig eingebautes Holz, im Finale druckvoll.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2002

The sexy, dark plum/purple-colored 1999 Margaux is already revealing complex aromatics. This surprisingly charming and round offering is reminiscent of a vintage such as 1985. Although neither a blockbuster nor a heavyweight, it grows in the mouth revealing tremendous length as well as purity. Administrator Paul Pontallier prefers it to the more austere 1998, as do I. This is an archetypical Chateau Margaux of richness, finesse, balance, and symmetry. It can be drunk young, but promises to age nicely for two decades. Extrapolating backwards, it would probably have something in common with the underrated 1962 Medocs.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2002

A tight and silky red, with lots to offer, currant, tobacco and cherry character, medium to full body, fine tannins and a long, long finish. Just needs time. Best after 2006. 16,665 cases made.

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/1/2001

Approximately 38% of the production made it into the 1999 Chateau Margaux. A dense ruby/purple-colored offering, it possesses extraordinary balance as well as a classic, disarming bouquet of blackberries, truffles, licorice, and smoke. A quintessential Margaux, this seductive, sexy yet beautifully balanced effort displays impeccably integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol. It will be atypically delicious young, yet will age for 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2025.

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/1/2000

Owner Corinne Mentzelopoulos and manager Paul Pontallier stated that in 1999, they thinned Margaux's vineyards more than ever before, as this difficult vintage had to be managed very carefully from a vineyard perspective. About 15% of the harvest was relegated to the generic 1999 Margaux. The wine reveals the vintage's flamboyant side in its sweet, blackberry, and cassis-scented nose. With airing, spicy vanillin and toast notes also emerge. Soft and full-bodied, there is admirable density behind the wine's superficial display of charm. The vintage's high sugars have resulted in nearly 13% alcohol. This offering will be drinkable young, yet last for 20+ years.