1982 Château Margaux

The 1982 Chateau Margaux has a pale to medium garnet-brick color. It hits the ground running with fragrant notes of kirsch, candied violets, licorice, and crushed rocks, over a core of crème de cassis, baked plums, and redcurrant jelly. The medium-bodied palate is opulent, laden with layer upon layer of black berries and cherry-inspired flavors, supported by a satiny texture, finishing with seamless freshness and a long, lingering firework display of mineral and exotic spice sparks. A jaw-dropping natural beauty! Tasted at the chateau.

A cloud of peonies and gunsmoke immediately strikes as you approach the 1982 Château Margaux, and it stands out for its finesse and charm. The tannins continue to cradle the fruit, this is richly nuanced, with pencil lead, strawberry puree, truffles, ash, cocoa, rose petals and saffran. Owner Corinne Menzelopoulos had succeeded her late father as the head of the estate in 1981, working with estate director Philippe Barré. Perhaps Paul Pontallier's arrival the following year helped to cement the reputation of the exceptional 1983 at Château Margaux, but the 1982 is clearly rivalling it on recent tastings.

Elegant, and refined, the wine kicks off with a blend of violets, tobacco, red and black currants and cedar. Texturally, this is simply gorgeous with its multiple layers of sweet, ripe, silky fruits.