Château Margaux's 1996 was one of the stars of an excellent Bordeaux vintage.

Château Margaux is one of Bordeaux's most strikingly elegant châteaux. Yet, despite its status, Margaux has a wonderful family feel, lacking the pretension and snobbery that enshrouds other elite Bordeaux châteaux. And Margaux's engaging personality is reflected in its wines - renowned for being rich and opulent.

The key behind Margaux's approach is the partnership between owner Corinne Mentzelopoulos and the long-standing winemaker Paul Pontallier, and there is a great team ethic from the vineyard workers right through to the management.

"That crystalline nose, the purity, the mineralite – it is all there. The palate is razor-sharp, brilliant focused with those silky tannins that caress the mouth, lascivious blackberry, black plum and blueberry towards the finish. Stunning." eRobertParker.com

"Cool and racy on the nose, with mineral, currant, black licorice and plum. Full-bodied, with a silky, seductive, exciting palate of ultrafine tannins and a long, long caressing finish. Structured and refined. Fabulous. Gets better and better." Wine Spectator