Ch.Margaux 1988 750ml

Bordeaux Book, 4th Edition Jan 2003
In a somewhat chunky, full-bodied, rather muscular style, with a dark, almost opaque garnet color and a big, smoky, earthy nose, with hints of compost, melted asphalt, black fruits, mushrooms, and new oak, this wine lacks the elegance one expects from Chateau Margaux, but does have plenty of tough-textured tannin and an almost rustic, corpulent style to it. The wine is mouth-staining as well as mouth-filling, but in a relatively chunky style. Anticipated maturity: Now-2018. Last tasted, 3/02.

Château Margaux , a 1er Cru Classé property, has been owned by the Mentzelopoulos family since 1978 - since then it has consistently produced the finest wines in the Médoc.
Château Margaux is a large 90 hectare property which produces over 30,000 cases per year and is located in the centre of the Margaux appellation. The vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Petit Verdot 3%) lie on a sandy-stone topsoil, beneath which is to be found gravel and then clay. The wine is fermented in a mixture of stainless steel vats and oak casks and is matured for 18 months in 100% new oak barriques.
Château Margaux produces sublime and immaculately crafted clarets which display extraordinary fragrance, refinement and a ravishingly seductive perfume. In the past, the wine was described as feminine in character but in the last twenty years Château Margaux has displayed more weight and concentration and today represents the perfect balance between finesse and power.

Meats, Beef and Venison