1996 Château Magdelaine Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 750ml

1996 Château Magdelaine: Classical Saint-Émilion Plateau Royalty

The 1996 Château Magdelaine Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 750ml represents an aristocratic, fully mature masterpiece of Right Bank viticulture from a benchmark structured vintage. In particular, Magdelaine was situated on the prime limestone plateau and southern slopes of Saint-Émilion directly adjoining Château Ausone. In addition, the cool, classical 1996 harvest produced wines of razor-sharp definition, vibrant acidity, and profound mineral longevity.

Tasting Notes for 1996 Château Magdelaine

The wine opens with an expressive bouquet of ripe black cherry, dark plum, crushed violet, and graphite. Furthermore, nuanced notes of warm truffle, dark cocoa, cedar pencil, and delicate French oak spice unfurl gracefully with aeration. On the palate, a seamless core of plush fruit balances against vibrant acidity and finely sculpted, fully resolved tannins. Consequently, the finish lingers with refined persistence, savory freshness, and flinty poise.

Key Wine Details

• Producer: Château Magdelaine (Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix)

• Vintage: 1996

• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France

• Vineyard: Saint-Émilion Limestone Plateau

• Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

• Format: 750ml

• Cellar Window: Drink now through 2036

Estate History and Heritage

Château Magdelaine was historically ranked as a Premier Grand Cru Classé (B) and stewarded for decades by the revered Moueix family of Pétrus fame. Specifically, in 2012 the estate was merged into neighboring Château Bélair-Monange, rendering original vintage bottlings of Magdelaine finite historic collectibles. Moreover, its high-altitude limestone plateau fruit gave Magdelaine a reputation for aristocratic finesse over brute power.

Today, mature back-vintages like the 1996 are treasured by connoisseurs of classical, unmanipulated Bordeaux. As a result, this bottle stands as a splendid, historic acquisition for serious cellars.