The 1998 Chateau Margaux is beginning to show its maturity, with developing aromas of blackcurrant, mint, cedar, and a touch of earthy gunflint. Despite its age, it retains surprising youthfulness and freshness, with supple tannins and vibrant acidity leading to a long, elegant finish. A classic vintage, it combines power and finesse, and it has a long life ahead, continuing to evolve into something truly exceptional.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Jul 19, 2023
Drink: 2023-2045

The slightly lighter colour and developing aromas demonstrate that this is starting to mature. Still, the abundant blackcurrant fruit aromas are touched with mint and just a suggestion of cedar, gunflint and earth. The texture is still firm, but the tannins are smooth and supple, and the bright, fresh acidity leads to an impressively long finish. The wine is more about finesse, but it remains surprisingly youthful and should have a long life ahead of it.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 12.50%
Body: Medium
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 8% Cabernet Franc 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 17% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Apr 23, 2001
Drink: 2006-2030

The 1998 Margaux's color is a dense ruby/purple. The wine is tannic and austere, but elegant, with notes of asphalt, blackberries, acacia flowers, and sweet, toasty oak. Subtle, rich, nicely-textured, and medium-bodied, it is built for the long haul. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030.  

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 18.5+
Published: Feb 18, 2019
Drink: 2016-2040

Deep crimson. Powerful, direct aroma. Strongly cassis. Fresh and yet mouth-filling and almost creamy/buttery on the palate in terms of texture. Very clean and fresh. Hint of char. Very convincing as a first growth. Long and rich. Direct with masses of fruit disguising the slightly grainy tannins. Tangy and lively… You could drink this with food now! Very good wine.

Chateau-margaux.com

Vintage 1998
We came very close to making a great vintage. It was a question of a few showers at the beginning of the harvest... From the beginning, the wines, whether Merlot or Cabernet, had astonishing concentration, recalling the 1995 and 1996 vintages. At first, they tended to be a little firm and austere, but with barrel aging they gained a lot of roundness and harmony. Today, Château Margaux 1998 displays aromas of great freshness in which fruit, particularly red berry fruit, is to the fore and in which lingering hints of vanilla and roasted coffee beans mingle slowly into the wine. The impression on the palate is of great power with fresh, firm but fat tannins, which give this wine a very classic dimension. 1998 is undeniably a long-aging wine and should ideally be held for several more years before drinking. (October 2018)