Even before the harvest began, this vintage was acclaimed as "vintage of the century". Indeed, the summer had been exceptionally hot and dry throughout France. Not only Bordeaux but also Burgundy and Champagne had great success. The heat-wave during the harvest made the vinification difficult—and at times perilous—since few cellars at that time had equipment to cool the fermenting musts. It has sometimes been said that 1959 was the last great vintage of a bygone age, with 1961 marking the beginning of the modern era.

Château Margaux 1959 is really a great wine with a powerful, complex, very fine and elegant bouquet, though slightly less profound and rich than the 1961. On the palate, it is very concentrated and powerful. Without a doubt, it is a great bottle which should be enjoyed now without further delay. The magnums today are showing greater freshness and can be kept for a few more years. (February 2025)