Beschreibung:

Château Margaux--Vintage 1982
12 bottles per lot
CHATEAU MARGAUX The Commune of Margaux possesses eleven classed growths yet none are as celebrated as its only premier cru, Château Margaux. For generation upon generation, it has been synonymous with fine claret and is the only one in its classification where the château name and commune are the same. The wine of Château Margaux has graced the presence of Christie's catalogues from the very beginning. On February 8th 1788, Ch Margeau (sic) became the first vineyard mentioned by name in a Christie's catalogue when James Christie himself sold the wines of the French Ambassador, Count d'Adhemar, at Hyde Park Corner. Over two hundred years later, Château Margaux retains the same position in the saleroom. The changes of ownership at Margaux have been numerous and for another descriptive reading. Perhaps more noteworthy is that it was once called Lamothe or La Mothe de Margaux. This is of particular interest as it give us the first clue as to its most distinctive asset, la mothe, the mound or hill of Margaux. The finest vineyards of the Médoc invariably are found on prominent gravel slopes to the west of the river Gironde. These rather exaggerated elevations have many names, 'la Fite' is but regional patois for a mound as is la Mothe (later corrupted into Mouton, hence Mouton-Rothschild). Château Margaux is just so situated. No spot in the Château's vineyard is greater than seventy feet above the river. The product of this cherished location is a style of wine that falls somewhere between Latour and Mouton-Rothschild on one side and Lafite-Rothschild on the other. However, its ultimate charm and singularity perhaps lies in its incomparable perfume Offered in original wooden case Château Margaux--Vintage 1982 Margaux, 1er cru classé. Château-bottled No lid. Bin-soiled labels, one slightly damaged. Levels base of neck or better Tasting note: First tasted in cask in May 1983, and again in September 1984, two occasions before the grand vin was to be bottled. On each occasion dazzled and beguiled, as so often, by its aroma and mouthfilling ripeness. Jumping to Penning-Rowsell's '10-year' tasting, I gave it a pretty high mark in that exalted company, its bouquet opening up gloriously in the glass over the course of dinner; lovely, berry-like fruit, crisp. Delicious. At Kaplan's tasting of '82s in 1997 at least I guessed it was the Margaux and it was voted top; and I am pleased to say I recognised it in the Rodenstock 'flight' in 1998, its recognition signal being the blossoming of its bouquet. The two Wagner verticals were particularly interesting as it was next to the '83. At the 1999 tasting I referred to the '83 as feminine and the '82 as masculine, the latter having more power and less elegance. In between, in Tokyo (1999), I noted 'loose knit', good fruit, very tannic (still). Most recently, at the second Wagner tasting: very fragrant, hot-vintage scent; sweeter than the '83, high alcohol, extract and a very dry, tannic finish. Last tasted Nov 2000 ***(**). Long life. Michael Broadbent, Vintage Wine 12 bottles per lot