Chateau Margaux 1er Cru 1996 in 12er Holzkiste

Lobenberg: Bei der Primeurverkostung war Margaux 1996 der bis dato größte Primeurwein, den ich verkostet habe, unsterblich. 100/100

Decanter: Softly spoken, fine tannins, pencil lead and leather, with truffle, earth, campfire and spice. Long drawn out finish, achingly slow, crushed stone, tobacco and dried roses. As with the 2001, the generosity and beauty of the aromatics tells you that this is absolutely ready to drink - although in many ways it feels like it will last longer than the 2001, as the tannins are still holding everything in place. This got the audience award on the night, and no question it is a stunning wine that is still giving so much pleasure at 25 years old. The 1996 has really grown into itself - it was a late harvest at the time after a burst of rain at the end of September that they decided to wait through before picking, and were rewarded with beautifully ripe Cabernet that was high in dense tannins and a little surly at first, but that has turned into one of the greatest vintages of the 1990s (rivaled only by the 1990 itself in my opinion). 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend, 100% new oak. 100/100 (2021)

Jane Anson: Château Margaux in 1855 was owned by the Aguado family, bought in 1835 by Spanish banker Alejandro María Aguado. This was my wine of the night at the Bern’s tasting, just utterly delicious and at a perfect moment to drink but will clearly keep delivering. I love this vintage on the Left Bank generally, and Margaux captures exactly why it is so special. Still so fresh, focused, long draw out, crushed roses, tobacco, violet, dried flowers, blackberry, saffron, fine tannins. 100% new oak, Paul Pontallier director for this vintage. 100/100

Parker: When I used to drink this wine as a student, it generally left me a bit cold, but several recent bottles of the 1996 Château Margaux lead me to think that I must have had bad luck with a poorly stored batch of bottles. Along with Haut-Brion, Margaux is the most forward of the 1996 first growths, offering up an expressive bouquet of creamy cassis fruit mingled with cigar wrapper, sweet spices, espresso roast and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, suave and fleshy, with melting tannins and a long, expansive finish, it's in a beautiful place today. 98/100 (2023)

Weinwisser: Mitteldunkles Rubinrot mit Purpurreflexen. Schon in der Nase unverkennbar ein elegantes, finessenreiches und vielschichtiges Margaux-Parfum. Was für eine Delikatesse! Da finden sich so ganz feine Cassisund rote Beerennoten der ganz frischen Art, unterlegt und begleitet von Rauch, Liebstöckel, Graphit und ultrafeinen Edelhölzern. Auch am Gaumen ganz auf Feinheit gemacht mit femininer Anmutung, dabei druckvoll mit nahezu gemeisselter Säurestruktur, durch und durch elegant mit seidiger Textur, dazu kommt ein Touch salziger Terroirnoten, die ihm ein gewisses Etwas geben, sehr langanhaltend. Wer im Wein den Begriff Eleganz erfahren will, der sollte diesen Margaux probieren. 20/20

Jeff Leve: This could hit triple digits in a few years. It continues filing out, gaining in complexity, richness, and texturally, additional layers of silk and velvet on the palate are the order of the day. This stunning wine is showing beautifully today, and while pricey, it is the best deal for a mature vintage of Chateau Margaux in the market today. Drink from 2023-2055. 99/100 (2023)