2006 Ch. Margaux, Margaux

General Manager Paul Pontallier is rightly proud of his 2006. It boasts an aristocratic, fresh cassis nose with mocha and violet notes. The powerful palate shows dark chocolate, black fruit, hints of cedar and a long pure finish while the texture, as ever, is pure silk. Pontallier's opinion is that with the least amount of Merlot ever (4%) and only 36% of the crop making it into the Grand Vin, this is like a tighter version of the 1996. Make no mistake, this is not only one of the best wines of the vintage, it is also a fantastic wine in its own right.

I was hoping the 2006 Chateau Margaux would turn out along the lines of the 1996, but that is not the case. It appears to be the least of the first-growth Medocs in 2006. The color is a medium dark ruby that lightens at the rim, and the bouquet offers classic, but evolved Margaux aromas of sweet currants, licorice, forest floor, and earth. Medium-bodied with dry tannin in the finish, it does not possess the profound concentration found in the truly sublime vintages of Chateau Margaux (i.e., 2005, 2000, 1996, 1990, 1983, and 1982). This mid-weight effort requires 5-7 years of cellaring, and should age for 20-25 years.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Feb-2009)