Tasted at Robersons' 1989 Bordeaux horizontal. The Chateau Margaux '89 has a rather curmudgeonly nose at first, initially disjointed but melding together with scents of blackberry, hawthorn and clay/wet cement. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, although this is not a complex Margaux. It has pert acidity and fine minerality, although it does not have the length or depth of Cos d'Estournel '89 tasted alongside. The finish is a little foursquare and dominated by cedar and tobacco flavours that continue to lend it a Pauillac-like personality. Drink now-2020. Tasted June 2010.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2010

I find this a little austere with mineral, tar, and currant character. It's a little subdued. Full and silky on the palate, it's firm and bright, even tight. Served from imperial bottle.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, January 19th 2011

Dwarfed by its younger sibling, the 1990, the 1989 Chateau Margaux has a dark plum/garnet color and a big, sweet nose of new saddle leather, toasty oak, and weedy black cherry and cassis fruit. The wine is medium-bodied, with relatively elevated tannins, outstanding concentration and purity, but a somewhat clipped as well as compressed finish. This certainly outstanding wine has put on a bit of weight in its evolution in the bottle, but it is hardly one of the most profound efforts from Chateau Margaux. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. Last tasted, 10/02.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 2002