Wine By Bok - 9/10 Stars
It had a hint of everything – iron, spice, cedar, cinnamon, musk and purple fruits and flowers. Its aromas were so long in an elegant way, but its palate was rich and expansive. Initially the nose was vegetal, led me to think it was from a poor vintage, eventually it turned smokey, and dark fruits surfaced on the nose, it’s improving. Palette was soft, elegant, but too lean to my liking. Tannins are still abundant, vanilla still obvious, keep gaining weight as time goes by. Except for the soft & elegant palette, nothing points to the great Ch Margaux. Takes time to appreciate.
Wine Advocate - 93 points
The 1978 Château Margaux is a significant wine for two reasons: that it 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. (10/2016)
Specifications
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Sub-Region | Margaux |
Classification | 1st Growth Medoc |
Vintage | 1978 |
Grape | Cabernet / Merlot |
Volume | 750ml |
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