This vintage is an example of something rare in those times: a successful late-ripening year. Unfortunately, coming so soon after the extraordinary 1961, this very fine wine was a little overshadowed. Château Margaux 1962 is, after 1961 and perhaps before 1966, one of the best vintages of the 1960s, though it is true that the decade included many lesser vintages. It is a fleshy wine, well balanced, rich and mature; very pleasant to drink today. The magnums have kept a distinct freshness compared with the bottles.


(September 2002)