Chateau Margaux 1999

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dunkles Granat mit lila Schimmer. In der Nase schon aus einer Distanz von 20 cm erkennbar, dass es sich um einen denkwürdigen Wein handeln muss, komplexes Nasenbild, schon im ersten Ansatz perfekt, Walnüsse, Dörrpflaumen, Kaffee, ein dramatisches Terroir-/Süssspiel, von Malz- und Darjeelingnoten durchsetzt, schwarze Trüffel, ein Hauch Zitronenthymian (Château-Rayas-Nuancen), vor allem viel reifes, vielschichtig duftendes Cassis. Unglaubliche Komplexität auch im Gaumen, weich, samtig mundberstend füllig und doch nicht fett, jedes Detail stimmt, fröhlicher Tanz der Beeren, cremig eingebautes Holz, im Finale druckvoll."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 1999 Chateau Margaux has been the standout First Growth since I first tasted the wine from barrel. Now reaching its plateau of maturity, it has an understated nose at first, armed with impressive mineralité with a gorgeous graphite seam. The definition and precision here is top class. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth in texture, very harmonious and assured, surprisingly with some new oak still to be fully assimilated into the wine. The signature Margaux traits of crushed black cherries and violets comes through towards the finish, suggestions of raspberry reserve and desiccated orange peel enhancing the long finish. Perhaps I might temper my initial enthusiasm for the 1999 Château Margaux...but only slightly. It comes highly recommended. Tasted May 2016."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "This is a very good wine and strong vintage for Chateau Margaux. Prices for all the First Growths have made most vintages far too expensive for people to buy. The best value in a Chateau Margaux is found in the 1999. With polished textures, supple tannins and a nose revealing tobacco, truffle, smoke, dark berries, forest floor and spicy aromatics, you can enjoy this bottle now, or age it for another decade or two without any trouble."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Scented, biscuit, sweet nose. Exciting. Real energy here. There's a hint of milk chocolate and slightly dry tannins but it would make a good bottle to drink now."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This has a rather friendly, fleshy feel, with a plump core of crushed plum, currant and cherry notes out front, backed by bergamot, lilac and sandalwood accents. Not superdense, but with lovely mouthfeel and a balance that carries the finish gracefully. A beautiful wine in a vintage where most of the Médoc struggled.--Non-blind Château Margaux vertical (December 2013). Drink now through 2022. 16,665 cases made."