Excellent deep ruby color. Very complex aromas of blackcurrant, wild plum, violets, minerals, tar and smoky oak. Dense and supple, with great sweetness of fruit. Doesn't have quite the sheer power of the '96, but the flavors build and build. Substantial tannins are chewier than those of the '96 but hit the palate later. 1986 was the vintage with the highest level of polyphenols ever recorded at this estate, but '95 was the runner-up, according to Pontallier. Because this big, tannic wine needed longer barrel aging, it was bottled later than normal, in November of '97.

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From magnum. Much more expressive on the nose than the Mouton 1995 tasted alongside. More developed, a little bit leafy, fresh and soft in the mouth. Sweeter than the Mouton too and silky on the palate. I'm not sure that this particular bottle would last well to 2025, even though it is a magnum, but I imagine other bottles might. (JH)

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Bottled very late (November, 1997), the 1995 has continued to flesh out, developing into one of the great classics made under the Mentzelopoulos regime. The color is opaque ruby/purple. The nose offers aromas of licorice and sweet smoky new oak intermixed with jammy black fruits, licorice, and minerals. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with extraordinary richness, fabulous equilibrium, and hefty tannin in the finish. In spite of its large size and youthfulness, this wine is user-friendly and accessible. This is a thrilling Margaux that will always be softer and more evolved than its broader-shouldered sibling, the 1996. How fascinating it will be to follow the evolution of both of these vintages over the next half century.

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Wine of the vintage and the greatest Chateau Margaux yet produced. A stunning red. The essence of raspberry, violet and berry, with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. Full-bodied and thick, yet racy, with masses of tannins and a harmonious structure. Long, long finish. 18,000 cases made.

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