1er Cru Classe. Perhaps the most immediate and intensely prefumed wine of a very distinguished lot, this latest opus from Chateau Margaux is awash in creamy oak, violets and very deep, relatively juicy young fruit while still allowing scattered glimmers of leather and woodsy spice to make themselves known. Close to California in its sheer force of fruit, it has a firmer Gallic structure nonetheless, and it finishes with fresh acidity accentuating its ample tannins and clearly wants for patience.

Full ruby-red. Penetrating, highly perfumed aromas of sappy dark berries, violet and minerals; seems less oaky today than the '01. Offers compelling mouthfilling concentration and perfume. A wine of great power and consistency, with a pungent minerality lingering on the palate-staining finish. This somehow doesn't flag or grow narrower even after one swallows or spits. Makes the 2002 seem almost dry in comparison. Wine-of-the-vintage material.