A standout 1990s Giscours, the 1996 shows nearly three decades of graceful evolution while retaining firm structure and classic Left Bank character. Sweet, brambled dark fruit intertwines with cocoa, espresso, tobacco, and gentle smoke, supported by confident, mature tannins. This vintage marks the early shift toward a more modern Giscours style, with increased Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% new oak adding precision and depth. Still vibrant and in no hurry to fade, it’s a beautifully aging, expressive Margaux.

Inside Bordeaux | IB 94
Published: Feb, 2024

Attractive sweetness at almost 30 years old, with Left Bank personality, brambled dark fruits, cocoa bean and espresso. The best of the 1990s, this retains firm tannins, melted but confident, and maybe the first in the series where you can feel the slide towards a more modern Giscours. Tertiary notes of tobacco and smoked campfire, but this is in no hurry to go anywhere. One of the first things the Albada family did was to up Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyards, back to what it was in the 1970s, and although this was early days, the percentage in the blend was already being increased. 50% new oak. Pascal Ribereau-Gayon consultant.

Giscours.com

Château Giscours, a Grand Cru Classé in 1855, is a wine with a big personality that expresses the expertise of our teams and the full wealth of our terroir in the Margaux appellation.
Château Giscours is an elegant, well-structured wine with magnificently bright aromas. It is a wine that develops wonderfully over time, the enjoyment of which is passed down from generation to generation.

An extraordinary terroir is what gives Château Giscours its whole identity and makes it one of the most famous Margaux wines in the world. For every vintage, we are committed to retaining what makes Château Giscours so wonderfully unique, powerful and full-bodied, whilst also working with the two concepts we hold very close to our hearts: beautiful aromas and refined tannins.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.0% ABV
Closure: Natural Cork
Vintage: 1996
Grape Varieties: Approximately 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Oak: French oak
Ageing: Approximately 15–18 months in French oak, around 50% new oak
Producer: Château Giscours
Region: Margaux, Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Margaux AOC
Classification: 3ème Cru Classé (Third Growth), 1855 Classification

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 30–60 minutes, with gentle aeration preferred for this mature vintage
Food Pairing: Excellent with roast beef, lamb, venison, duck, wild mushrooms, truffle dishes and mature cheeses.