Wines Margaux Château Margaux - Grand Vin - 1988

Viniou Reviews

Château Margaux 1988 is a Premier Grand Cru Classé from the prestigious Margaux appellation, in the heart of Bordeaux’s Médoc. This wine is a masterful blend, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, with touches of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The 1988 vintage stands out for its classic structure and remarkable balance, produced under optimal conditions by an estate renowned for its rigorous selection and traditional vinification methods. Matured in new French oak barrels, the wine offers finesse and longevity, with decades of cellaring potential realised in a bottle now showing beautiful secondary and tertiary aromas.

Margaux, situated on the left bank of the Gironde, enjoys a temperate maritime climate with warm summers and moderate rainfall, ideal for Cabernet-based blends. The region’s gravelly soils, rich in mineral content, provide excellent drainage, encouraging deep root growth and the development of intensely aromatic, elegant wines. Château Margaux itself has centuries of winemaking history, embodying the finesse, complexity, and aromatic depth that symbolise this appellation’s terroir.

1988 was a vintage characterised by a cool growing season and a warm, dry harvest, resulting in wines that are elegant and classically structured. This Château Margaux now reveals a bouquet of dried roses, cedar, tobacco leaf, leather, and subtle blackcurrant, set against a silky, persistent palate with refined tannins.

Such a wine calls for food that allows its complexity to shine. Traditional pairings would include roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, duck breast with a red wine reduction, or a classic Bordelaise entrecôte. Margaux’s elegance also suits regional specialities, such as confit de canard or earthy mushroom dishes. Mature cheeses, like aged Comté or a truffled Brie, complement its aromas beautifully.

To fully appreciate this mature Margaux, allow it to rest upright for several hours before opening. Decant gently, taking care not to disturb the sediment. Serve at 17-18°C to best showcase its aromas and silky texture. With careful handling, the 1988 Château Margaux will reward you with a tasting experience of true Bordeaux grandeur.