1982 Margaux
By Chateau Margaux
The 1982 Margaux from Château Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux
Without a shadow of a doubt, the 1982 vintage from Bordeaux was one for the ages, and among its luminaries stands the regal 1982 Margaux from Château Margaux. This exceptional wine has become something akin to a whispered legend in investment circles and connoisseurs' parlours alike.
A Year Etched in Vinous History
1982 was a year that unfurled with propitious climatic grace. An early, warm spring gave way to an impeccable summer, bonhomous in its generosity of sunlight and benevolent warmth without scorching excess. This harmony bestowed upon the fruit an opulent ripeness seldom matched in preceding years. In the bottle, this has translated into a magnificent expression of power and elegance that is unequivocally Margaux.
The Pinnacle of Mature Bordeaux
In sensory homage, the 1982 Margaux presents an olfactory tapestry, rich with plush blackcurrant, violets, and an underpinning of truffled earthiness that whispers tales of its storied terroir. One swirl of the glass releases these harmonious notes into an intoxicating dance. On the palate, the wine exhibits a balance paradisiacal in its execution—an ample bosom of fruits draped over a structured yet silken tannic frame that exudes sophistication.
Even now, decades later, this ne plus ultra manifestation of Cabernet Sauvignon is swathed in a velvety garb that only time's patience can tailor. The finish? A lingering caress that interminably etches itself upon one's memory with each reverent sip.
An Inimitable Investment Grade Wine
It is no hyperbole to state that this regal drop not only symbolizes but epitomizes a zenith in viniculture that few vintages have dared to approach since. The 1982 Margaux from Château Margaux is an investment grade wine par excellence, demonstrating remarkable longevity and ceaseless demand. Its performance on the secondary market is testament to its standing amongst the echelons of fine wine investment—a testament written in liquid history, poured out for those who seek to indulge in vinous royalty.
For enthusiasts looking to enhance their portfolio with an exemplar of viticultural majesty or simply cherish a crown jewel of winemaking artistry, the 1982 Margaux remains one of the quintessential selections. Weathering four decades has but burnished its splendour—each glass decanted is a revelation of depth and nuance that promises to enchant palates whilst securing robust investment returns.
Market price (USD)
$10,770.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
490
Scores and tasting notes
Consistently scoring between 98-100, the superb 1982 Margaux may be slightly bigger, bolder, and more masculine than vintages produced over the last 15-20 years. Its dark plum/purple color is followed by notes of melted tar intermixed with sweet cassis and floral underpinnings. Very full-bodied and dense for a Chateau Margaux, with a slight rusticity to the tannins, it boasts blockbuster power, richness, and impressive aromatics. It appears set for another 30-40 years of life. Release price: ($360.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 June 2009
What a youthful ruby color. And it's fresh and young on the nose with currants, plums, mints, and flowers. A full-bodied red, with slightly tight and firm tannins, it opens to a long and satisfying finish. What freshness. Leave it five years, or decant three or four hours in advance before serving.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 20th 2010
The 1982 Chateau Margaux is a wine that I have tasted many times, constantly contrasted against the 1983 to see which is better. Frankly I found that it depends on the bottle, although maybe the 1983 edges it. But it is important to assess the 1982 on its own individual merits because it is a superb First Growth. This was a great bottle: fragrant and beautifully defined on the nose that on this occasion offered a more conspicuous graphite scent, which lent it a Pauillac-like personality. Allowing the wine to open and aerate, the traits one associates with the property emerge—wilted violets and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and mineral-laden, that suggestion of candied orange peel on the entry segueing into layers of pure red and black fruit. There is always something effortless about this Chateau Margaux and the pixelation on the finish is up there with the very best. Is it the best 1982 First Growth? No, it's not quite up there with 1982 Latour or Mouton-Rothschild, however, it is a sublime evocation of the vineyard and it will continue to give pleasure for a couple of decades yet. Tasted May 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy’s 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. The Chateau Margaux 1982 is perhaps a little variable from bottle to bottle these days, occasionally cowed by the First Growths and at other times challenging the supremacy of the more consistent 1983. Still, this is a very fine Margaux. It has a fragrant, complex bouquet with wild strawberry, a touch of violets, hints of truffle and pot pourri. The palate has a sweet supple entry with candied orange peel infusing the pretty red fruit. It is very svelte in texture with fine, lace-like tannins – almost a vitamin-like purity here with a sublime mineral-rich finish. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013