This is about as alluring as it gets aromatically, with singed alder, juniper, bay and charcoal notes out front, hinting at power but turning beguiling as they flow into the core of steeped red currant, dried currant and black tea. The charcoal note makes an encore, with a lovely twinge of old-school character holding the finish. Always a great debate vis-à-vis the '90, but the slightly darker profile here gives this wine a lovely bit of extra drama. *Ranked #3 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 1992* (JM)

The 1989 Château Margaux showed beautifully, with a ripe, open, sexy style in its red and black fruits, saddle leather, savory herbs, and spicy, incense-like nuances. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has a nicely balanced, elegant mouthfeel, resolved tannins, and a great finish. It's clearly in the heart of its prime drink window and should have a graceful evolution over the coming decades, with a gradual decline thereafter.

Medium to deep brick colored, the 1989 Chateau Margaux is a little sluggish and broody to begin, reluctantly releasing notes of cigar box, charcoal, dried herbs, and damp soil, before revealing a core of dried cherries, leather, and prunes. The medium-bodied palate has lightly chewy tannins and a refreshing backbone supporting the savory flavors, finishing provocatively chalky. (LPB)