1995 Chateau Margaux, Margaux, Case of 12 btls [WS100 #2 WOTY 1998]

DR99 "Caramel, sweet strawberries and a hint of herbaceous Cabernet tones on the nose. Smooth, sensual and light almost - a delicacy to the frame but still with trademark detail so you get nuance and concentration but not so much overt power. This retains a supple character though with an enjoyable succulence of cherry and blackberry fruit. Supremely charming, refined and pure and still with a determination to the flavours - driving and focussed. Pure class and a joy to drink. 3% Cabernet Franc completes the blend." GH for DR Jun 2022

WS100 "Wine of the vintage and the greatest Château Margaux yet produced. A stunning red. The essence of raspberry, violet and berry, with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. Full-bodied and thick, yet racy, with masses of tannins and a harmonious structure. Long, long finish." JS for WS Jan 1998
WS97 "This still broods seriously, with dark plum, currant and blackberry fruit, studded with charcoal, singed tobacco and cedar notes and backed by a serious grip of roasted earth. The gorgeously long finish is driven by old-school tannins, with the smoldering edge going on and on. A brick house of a Margaux, with more charcoal than graphite, more austerity than elegance and more power than refinement. -- Non-blind Château Margaux vertical (December 2013)." JM for WS Nov 2014

Robert Parker writes, "Since 1978 there have been only two first-growths (or two of the so-called "big eight" of Bordeaux) that have been consistently excellent to superb - Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Margaux. Margaux's admirable consistency is well-displayed in the 1993-95 wines. The 1995 has fleshed out, developed more intensity, in addition to some stunning aromatics since I tasted it last spring. It appears to be a sensational Chateau Margaux that should take its place alongside some of the great wines produced at this estate under the Mentzelopoulos regime." Published: Feb 27, 1997