There is no more famous, iconic or identifiable Chateau in all Bordeaux than that of Chateau Margaux. Sitting discreetly just to the Gironde-side of the commune of Margaux, nearly invisible to passing traffic, the beauty and magnificence of the Chateau is literally breath-taking as you approach. With 78 hectares under vine, including 66 hectares to red varieties (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 5% split between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) and some 12 hectares planted to white – entirely Sauvignon Blanc – total production is around 30,000 dozen bottles per year – impressive even by Bordeaux standards. Unlike many Bordeaux properties, the landholdings and vineyard locations have barely changed during the past two centuries, with more than 90% of all landholdings remaining identical to those of the late 18th century.
94 Points Vinous
The 1999 Chateau Margaux is another overlooked vintage that transcends the growing season. This example, which is from an ex-château magnum, is delightful. It offers a slightly more fruit-driven, heartier bouquet than you would presuppose from a supposed mediocre season. Black fruit is laced with graphite and clove and blossoms with aeration while maintaining superb delineation. The palate is still youthful with seamlessly integrated oak, fine tannins and gorgeous black fruit tinged with tobacco and smoke. This First Growth has an effortless and unexpectedly sumptuous quality, and it will continue to drink well for another 20 or 25 years
94 Points Wine Advocate
The 1999 Château Margaux is an immensely charming wine that’s drinking beautifully today from both bottle and, in this case, magnum. Bursting with aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries and violets framed by subtle hints of cigar box, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and sensual, with an enveloping core of fruit, ripe and melting tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Analogies with the immensely charming 1985 vintage are very persuasive, as the 1999 is quite reminiscent of how the 1985 tasted fifteen years ago.