Wine Advocate
par Robert Parker le 30/04/1999
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.