1988 Château Margaux: Underrated First Growth Ready to Drink
While 1989 and 1990 often dominate conversations around late-80s Bordeaux, the 1988 Château Margaux has steadily emerged as one of the most quietly profound expressions of this First Growth estate.
As Wine Spectator noted: “Seriously long and the most overlooked of the truly great vintages here.”
The Essence of Château Margaux
Château Margaux stands apart among the First Growths for its perfume, grace, and refined structure. The wine is traditionally based on Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot for plush texture, Cabernet Franc for aromatic lift, and Petit Verdot for depth and backbone. This combination is what gives Margaux its signature character—aromatic, elegant, and finely textured.
In the glass, the 1988 vintage captures this signature character beautifully:
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Violet and dried rose aromatics
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Blackcurrant, red cherry, and plum fruit
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Cedar, graphite, and tobacco leaf adding layered complexity
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Silky, resolved tannins and a long, harmonious finish
There is no excess here just clarity, balance, and seamless texture.
A Classical Bordeaux Vintage
The 1988 vintage in Bordeaux saw a long, even growing season with excellent conditions in September. Wines from this year were built with structure and definition, meant to evolve slowly over time. Today, the best examples have reached a point of beautiful maturity, and Château Margaux is among the standouts.
This is a wine that rewards patience and now delivers its full story.
At Peak Drinking Maturity
The decades of aging have brought the fruit, tannin, and tertiary notes into seamless harmony. A gentle opening or short decant is all that is needed to reveal its perfume and texture.
Provenance
Sourced from a temperature-controlled private cellar, with excellent storage history and condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 1988 Château Margaux taste like?
It shows violet and rose aromatics, blackcurrant and red cherry fruit, and nuanced secondary notes of cedar, graphite, and tobacco. The palate is silky and balanced, with a long, elegant finish.
Is 1988 Château Margaux ready to drink now?
Yes. It is fully mature and drinking beautifully. No extended decanting is required - simply open and allow it to breathe gently in the glass.
How was the 1988 vintage in Bordeaux?
1988 was a classic, structured Left Bank vintage. The wines developed slowly and are now showing excellent complexity and harmony. Château Margaux is one of the standout successes of the year.
Why is Château Margaux considered unique among First Growths?
Château Margaux is known for producing wines with perfume, grace, and finesse. It is often regarded as the most elegant and aromatically expressive of the First Growth estates.
How does the 1988 compare to 1989 and 1990?
While 1989 and 1990 are richer and more powerful, 1988 offers purity, balance, and refinement, making it a favorite among collectors who value elegance over power.