1989 Château Margaux – Margaux 1er Grand Cru Classé

1989 Château Margaux – Margaux, 1er Grand Cru Classé

Score: 97/100

The 1989 Château Margaux is a magnificent expression of this First Growth estate, showcasing the harmony, refinement, and aromatic complexity that define Margaux at its best. The 1989 vintage was a warm, dry year in Bordeaux, producing ripe, structured wines with great aging potential. While often overshadowed by the legendary 1990, the 1989 Margaux is a stunning wine in its own right, displaying depth, elegance, and remarkable longevity.

The 1989 Vintage in Bordeaux

The 1989 growing season was warm and dry, with an early flowering and a hot summer that led to excellent ripeness in the grapes. Some estates experienced heat stress, but Château Margaux’s deep gravel soils and careful vineyard management ensured balanced maturity. The harvest was early and completed under ideal conditions, resulting in wines with rich concentration, velvety tannins, and superb aromatics.

Tasting Notes

Appearance:

A deep garnet core with slight bricking at the rim, reflecting its evolution. The wine remains beautifully vibrant, with excellent clarity and viscosity, indicating structured aging potential.

Nose:

An enchanting and layered bouquet unfolds with blackcurrants, ripe plums, and dried roses, followed by secondary notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite. Hints of truffle, leather, and exotic spices add further depth, showcasing the complexity that mature Château Margaux is renowned for.

Palate:

Silky yet powerful, the 1989 Château Margaux delivers a seamless integration of ripe fruit, refined tannins, and fresh acidity. Flavors of blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries are beautifully complemented by earthy undertones, cigar box, and violets. The structure remains intact, with a long, graceful finish marked by subtle minerality and a lingering perfume of aged spice and dried florals.

Conclusion

The 1989 Château Margaux is a classic, beautifully aged First Growth with silky refinement, intoxicating aromatics, and impressive structure. Now in its prime drinking window, it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 10–15 years. This vintage exemplifies why Château Margaux is considered one of the most elegant and perfumed wines in the world, making it a must-experience for collectors and connoisseurs alike.