Margaux 1978 (750ML)

96 DE / 93 WA / 17 JR

Holding together well and remains tannic and firm. Although the vintage generally is somewhat overlooked, Château Margaux has always been counted among the most successful wines. This bottle has started showing a brick hue at the rim, and the bouquet announces mature aromas, including tobacco, smoke, gunflint and leather. There is little primary fruit, yet the wine is still surprisingly substantial and long. It is drinking well now and should hold for another few years, but the ideal time to consume this is soon approaching.-Charles Curtis MW, Decanter, Tasted 18/07/23

The 1978 Chateau Margaux is a significant wine for two reasons: that is was the first under the Mentzelopoulos family after acquiring the property and also, it was their best wine in many years. Today it is still going strong. Clear in color, it has quite a deep garnet core. The nose is very seductive with black fruit, leather, scorched earth, a hint of lavender all beautifully defined and quintessentially Margaux. The medium-bodied palate has exquisite balance, the acidity nicely judged, still a little masculine and "solid" compared to the subsequent vintages under Paul Pontallier, yet fresh and vital. Sure, there is a grittiness and a touch of rusticity towards the finish, but all in all, this represents a great 1978 Left Bank and a signpost that the First Growth was back on the right track after a dismal run of vintages during the 1970s. Tasted May 2016. Drink: 2016 - 2030 Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate

Looks very deep crimson. Very deep and glowing. Mature rim. Smells much more than four years older than the 1982. Fully developed bouquet – maybe the bottles are starting to get a little tired? Acidity sticks out a little. Dry tannins and absolutely ready, fresh. Super fragrant but a little tough in terms of texture. Much less concentrated than many other younger vintages but very respectable.-Jancis Robinson