1982 Margaux, Margaux

Serena Sutcliffe, MW: At 30 years old, absolutely stunning. Flawless and at the top of the ‘treat’ scale. The multi-layered complexity of Cabernet on supreme terroir in a very ripe year comes through on the nose, together with massive cinnamon and black cherries. Dense, rich, voluptuous and thick on the palate. Blackcurrant ‘bite’ and vibrancy runs all through this. This is ‘grand vin’ at its most glorious. 12/12

Jamie Ritchie: Very super. Lots of finesse and elegance, balanced by richness and concentration, with purity, power and depth. Outstanding. Lasted tasted in Hong Kong, after our sales – much needed, and one of the wines of the night. Drinking superbly from now and for the next two decades. 12/12

Representative blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc

Annual production: 29,000 cases of Grand Vin and Pavillon Rouge (the second label) and around 3000 cases of Pavillon Blanc, a 100% Sauvignon Blanc

One of the most hallowed names in wine, Margaux has an allure to it which has proved irresistible to drinkers for centuries. Sited on arguably the most perfect terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux, the sheer first growth nobility of the property comes across on the nose every time: a perfume of stunning complexity and beauty. The neo-classical building, perhaps the definitive image of Bordeaux to outsiders, also helps the cause. But ultimately, this is wine lovers` wine, exemplary year by year and just more beautiful with age. Under winemaker Paul Pontallier and the ownership of the Mentzelopoulos family since the late 1970s, the property has gone from strength to strength.