Gorgeous 61 Château Margaux

1961 Château Margaux;

Finally! I read about this wine probably ten years ago, and hoped it would some day come my way. It was described as the last great wine of the old dynasty of Ch. Margaux, and it has kept an intriguing allure for me ever since. Worryingly low fill!? Just above mid shoulder, ruby wit thin orange rim. Staring out with intense floral notes, violets, blackcurrant's, plums, cigar, tobacco, perfumed, seductive and flirting, with another ten minutes, licorice, layers upon layers. Very elegant body and texture, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, beautiful balance, enormous elegance, after two hours gaining in body, getting more fruit, turns out the low level can't have had any negative influence, its difficult to believe there can be a much better bottle, after even more time, mint, eucalyptus, opens up hugely, enormous complexity, rose-garden, figs, long and elegant finish. Getting even better after five hours. 97

Broadbent: Another splendid 61, first tasted in the autumn of 64. It was lovely wine then though green and of course unready. First really noted its fragrance and elegance developing through the 70s. In 81, rich, complex, harmonious, wonderful sap- 20 years of development ahead. Not long after I thought it a 5-star perfect drink........ in June 01 ***** at peak but will soldier on.

Interesting to see it described as green and course in the 60's!

And here is what Ch Maragux says:

1961 Château Margaux

It has sometimes been said that 1961 was the greatest vintage since 1900. Our memory does not always serve us well, but there is no doubt that this vintage displays quite extraordinary qualities, which we were not to find again, in any case, until the 1982 vintage. 1961 not only benefited from remarkable weather conditions, but also from the first achievements of what was called "modern oenology" under the inspiration of Professor Ribereau Gayon and Doctor Emile Peynaud. Château Margaux 1961 is a sumptuous wine, at the same time tender, harmonious, rich, very dense and full of freshness. Its bouquet is unique : over the smell of undergrowth, so characteristic of the great wines of that era, comes a layer of indescribable fruity and floral fragrance... Smelling this wine is a moment of unforgettable excitement, of pure emotion ! The sensations that come through on the palate are a harmonious match to the aromatic festival on the nose : its tannic density asserts itself smoothly and delicately, the finish is a strong and yet tender caress. A really wonderful wine. Today, the 1961 has lost none of its freshness, even though the magnums are starting to show more consistency than the bottles. Of course, it can be opened now, but it was built for eternity... (February 2007)