1976 will be remembered as the "drought year". This vintage could have been outstanding, but the rainy end to the summer firstly diluted the grapes and then forced us to harvest quickly before rot set in. Today, 1976 is a supple, almost smooth wine with a fine, distinguished and mature nose. It lacks the complexity and, especially, the power to be a true great wine. We look back emotionally on this time, when Château Margaux, which belonged to the Ginestet family, was for sale and had not yet found a purchaser. 1976 is ready to drink now.
(October 2018)
Margaux
Climate
After an early bud-break, the weather conditions were particularly hot and dry during spring and the beginning of summer. August was very hot but there were heavy storms. September began in very fine weather but then became rainy during a part of the harvest. (The picking began 13th September)