Chateau Margaux is considered one of the great First Growth Bordeaux estates. Since 1976 it has been in the hands of the Mentzelopoulos family, who implemented a range of improvements to restore the Chateau's glorious reputation. Now under the direction of Corinne Mentzelopoulos, the vineyards and winery are managed by Paul Pontailler who has made a succession of superlative wines.

Eight seven hectares of this great Medoc estate are planted with red varietals and 12-hectares planted with white. The soil is a coarse gravel topsoil with a subsoil of calcareous clay known as Calcaire de Plassac. The vineyards are planted with the following grape varietal ratio: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2 to 3% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with an average vine age of 36 years.

Fermentation takes place in oak vats with automatic temperature control for up to 3 weeks. The wines are then transferred to 100% new oak barrels and here they mature for between 18 and 24 months, fined with hundreds of egg whites and racked every 3 months.

"The 1988 has a classic bouquet of violets and black currants intertwined with the vanillin scents of new oak. It is medium bodied and concentrated, but extremely hard and tannic. This elegantly wrought, yet surprisingly tough-textured wine should outlive the 1989. But will it ever provide as much pleasure? Anticipated maturity: 2000-2015. Last tasted, 4/91."

Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1
Jan 1998.

See also Chateau Margaux and Neil Martin, Chateau Margaux, eRobertParker.com.