Château Margaux 1983

Gorgeous as ever, even if the 1982 is standing up a little more strongly today. This is still full of tannins, rich and textured fruit and lilting freshness, fragrant, concentrated and generous. And the yield, if you can believe it, was 67hl/h. The release price of this 1983 was 170 francs, as was the 1982. 4% Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. Paul Pontallier’s first vintage – although he also oversaw the ageing and bottling of the 1982. His thesis, by the way, was on oak ageing, and this is 100% new oak. Drinking window: 2018-2040. Part of Bordeaux 1983 versus 1982: Top Left Bank wines re-tasted. Score – 98. (Jane Anson, decanter.com, Nov. 17, 2018)