1984 Margaux
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Tasting notes
This is the third bottle of 1984 Château Margaux that I have tasted, and it might well be the best. This bottle, bought from auction, has slightly more fruit on the nose, accompanied by leather, fireside hearth and still those slight torrefactory aromas. The palate is well-balanced but not complex, yet there is still breeding here. Presents fine acidity, straightlaced, yet fresh with an engaging tobacco-tinged finish. A lovely off-vintage First Growth. Tasted at a private dinner at 67 Pall Mall.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1984 Château Margaux is showing expected degradation of colour; the nose is clearly more mature than two decades earlier, offering scents of roasted chestnut, sage, a slight torrefaction, singed leather and fireside hearth. Whilst the palate is rustic and a far cry from the brilliance of the previous two vintages, it is surfeit with charm. Leathery red fruit, cedar and smoke, fading a little on the finish. No, it is not the best Château Margaux ever crafted in what was a seriously strong decade, yet it has its place. Impeccably-stored bottles or large formats might please those with a penchant for disparaged growing seasons…like me.
The 1984 Margaux is one of the best wines of the vintage. It is rich in color and extract, and has an attractive perfume of violets, black currant fruit, toasty oak, herbs, and licorice. The wine is long, deep, and concentrated, for the vintage it is comparable to the property's 1980. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. 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.