1996 Château Margaux Margaux Rouge 1.5L

1996 Château Margaux: 100-Point First Growth Magnum Royalty

The 1996 Château Margaux Premier Grand Cru Classé 1.5L Magnum stands as an undisputed, 100-point monument of Left Bank perfection. In particular, the estate’s fine gravel mounds in Margaux allowed Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve unprecedented phenolic ripeness and aristocratic finesse. In addition, the classic 1996 harvest delivered electric natural acidity, powerful tannins, and eternal longevity in large format.

Tasting Notes for 1996 Château Margaux

The wine opens with noble aromas of ripe blackcurrant, dark cherry, sweet cedar, dried rosemary, and crushed gravel. Furthermore, complex secondary notes of pipe tobacco, leather, and dark chocolate emerge with aeration. On the palate, silky, finely woven tannins wrap around a vibrant core of dark bramble berries. Consequently, the finish lingers with extraordinary length, savory minerality, and classic poise.

Key Wine Details

• Producer: Château Margaux

• Vintage: 1996

• Appellation: Margaux, Médoc, Bordeaux, France

• Classification: First Growth (Premier Grand Cru Classé – 1855)

• Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc

• Format: 1.5L Magnum

• Cellar Window: Drink now through 2055

Estate History and Heritage

Château Margaux has been celebrated as the queen of Bordeaux since the 16th century, earning a perfect First Growth ranking in 1855. Specifically, the late Paul Pontallier directed this mythic 1996 vintage, creating what many consider the definitive modern Château Margaux. Moreover, the estate ages its Grand Vin exclusively in 100% new French oak barrels made on-site.

Today, the 1996 Château Margaux is universally heralded by critics as an immortal fine wine icon. As a result, this 1.5-liter magnum serves as an irreplaceable acquisition for serious collectors.