Margaux 1989 (750ML)

97 WS / 97 DE / 19 JR

This is about as alluring as it gets aromatically, with singed alder, juniper, bay and charcoal notes out front, hinting at power but turning beguiling as they flow into the core of steeped red currant, dried currant and black tea. The charcoal note makes an encore, with a lovely twinge of old-school character holding the finish. Always a great debate vis-à-vis the '90, but the slightly darker profile here gives this wine a lovely bit of extra drama.--Non-blind Château Margaux vertical (December 2013). Drink now through 2025. 25,000 cases made. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The texture stands out straight away - smooth and light but direct with a thrilling vibrancy still to the flavours and acidity in this wine. Sour cherry, salted caramel, a touch of balsamic strawberry, still with remarkable concentration. Fresh, bright and linear with a graphite and wet stone touch at the end putting you back in the Médoc on gravel terroir. 5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.-Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Very deep glowing dark ruby with lots of maturity at the rim. Not especially sweet and ripe on the nose – more minerals and sweetness. Lovely richness yet complete and and heady on the palate. Sweet round yet not earthy and velvety – still with this quite extraordinary freshness and vitality. Really remarkable for this vintage! So flattering and long and complete. -Jancis Robinson