Margaux 瑪歌 1983

Description

By Wine Spectator in 2014 (WS98)
This pulls together all the glorious notes of a fully mature Margaux, with singed cedar, rooibos tea, rose water and sandalwood aromas, followed by a stunning mélange of both fresh and dried red and black fruits, including currant, cherry, raspberry and plum. The long finish lets everything drape together beautifully. Absolutely stunning, this seems in no hurry to go anywhere. Remarkably fresh and defined at this time. Drink now through 2035.

By James Suckling in 2016 (JS98)
This has always been said to be the best wine of the 1983 vintage in Bordeaux because the appellation of Margaux performed slightly better in 1983 than in the legendary 1982 vintage. It certainly is more structured than the 1982 Margaux. It is incredibly fresh and clean still. It’s full-bodied and tannic, structured and powerful yet shows such balance and length. Decant three hours before serving.

By Decanter in 2018 (JA98)
Gorgeous as ever, even if the 1982 is standing up a little more strongly today. This is still full of tannins, rich and textured fruit and lilting freshness, fragrant, concentrated and generous. And the yield, if you can believe it, was 67hl/h. The release price of this 1983 was 170 francs, as was the 1982. 4% Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. Paul Pontallier’s first vintage – although he also oversaw the ageing and bottling of the 1982. His thesis, by the way, was on oak ageing, and this is 100% new oak.

By Jancis Robinson in 2019 (JR19)
Amazingly deep crimson. Still very youthful, concentrated, introvert nose. Still needs time! Intense and polished. But still tense. Intense cassis. Long. Amazing persistence. Very pure Cabernet with a slight Margaux lift on the end. Really opened out – though it took its time – into something beautiful. And so much more impressive than the 1982.