Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 18
We were filming at Ch Margaux as the 1982 was being picked – the first ever thing we filmed for The Wine Programme, the world s first TV series about wine. I remember they ran out of tank space, so copious was the crop. Looked definitely more youthful than the Haut-Brion 1982 served immediately beforehand, with the acidity decidedly more marked. Ripe fruit plus acidity and a slightly dry finish. Not the finest 1982, not the finest Ch Margaux. Paul Pontallier arrived in time for the 1983 so would have overseen ageing and bottling of this wine. Hint of dunked biscuits. This would be impressive in isolation but not next to the other 1982 firsts. (JR)
Anticipated maturity: 2000-2040
Vinous 97
The 1982 Chateau Margaux is adorned with a captivating, very floral crushed violet bouquet that blossoms in the glass. Perhaps it has a little more sophistication than the ’82 Mouton. This bottle leans a little more towards red than black fruit. Stunning delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with lace-like tannins, very poised and focused, fresh and saline. Silky towards the finish, which fans out in consummate fashion, this is a beautiful Margaux that is utterly seductive. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2055
Robert Parker 97
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.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036
