1962 Margaux
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Tasting notes
The 1962 Château Margaux is perhaps the first subpar vintage that presaged a First Growth about to lose its way. Dry, earthy and quite muffled on the nose, there is a touch of VA present. The palate is actually an improvement, medium in body but not particularly complex, closing with a stolid, conservative finish. This is still hanging in there, but that's just not really good enough considering the performances of its peers. Tasted at the 1962 dinner in Burgundy.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1962 Château Margaux is a vintage I've only met once. It shows considerable signs of age and has a light and slightly enervated nose with leather and cedar usurping the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied but does not hold a touch of fellow First Growths and attenuated towards a rather mushroomy finish. Alas, this is where the rot was beginning to set in. Tasted at the 1962 horizontal in London.
This wine should be enjoyed now for the gorgeous, fully mature, and quickly evaporating bouquet. It is beginning to decline for sure, but the full, intensely cedary, fruity bouquet has merits. The flavors are soft, and I detect some acidity beginning to poke its ugly head through. Drink up! Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/91.
About the producer
Ch. Margaux is one of Bordeaux’s most historic and famous estates. The only classified First Growth in Margaux, it epitomises the appellation’s elegance, while producing wines with fantastic ageing potential.