What is the history of Davidoff Château Margaux cigars and when were they discontinued?

The Davidoff Château Margaux debuted in 1970 as part of Zino Davidoff's Cuban-made Château series, named after prestigious Bordeaux wine estates. These cigars were produced at the El Laguito factory in Havana until 1991, when Davidoff ended its Cuban production and moved to the Dominican Republic. The Château Margaux measured 159mm x 16.67mm (6.25" x 42 ring gauge), making it a classic corona format. The series included Château Latour, Château Lafite, and Château Yquem, with Margaux positioned as a medium-bodied, elegant smoke reflecting the finesse of its wine namesake.

What does a vintage Davidoff Château Margaux cigar taste like compared to modern Davidoff cigars?

Vintage Cuban Davidoff Château Margaux cigars deliver a refined profile of cedar, toasted nuts, and subtle floral notes with a characteristic Cuban twang—distinct from today's Dominican Davidoffs. The original Cuban leaf provided earthy undertones and a delicate sweetness rarely replicated. Modern Davidoff cigars, while meticulously constructed, utilize Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Ecuadoran tobaccos yielding creamier, more approachable profiles. Collectors note the Château Margaux's medium body and complex finish, with well-aged examples (30+ years) developing pronounced leather and dried fruit characteristics unavailable in contemporary releases.

How much does a box of Davidoff Château Margaux cigars cost at auction today?

Authentic pre-1991 Davidoff Château Margaux cigars command substantial premiums at auction due to scarcity and historical significance. Individual cigars typically sell for $300-$800 depending on condition and provenance, while intact 25-count boxes range from $8,000 to $25,000. Factors affecting price include original packaging integrity, storage history, and factory codes. The 1980s production years are particularly sought after. Buyers should verify authenticity through reputable auction houses like Sotheby's or Christie's, as counterfeits circulate in the secondary market. These cigars are generally acquired for collection rather than regular consumption.

What is the history of Davidoff Château Margaux cigars and when were they discontinued?

The Davidoff Château Margaux debuted in 1970 as part of Zino Davidoff's Cuban-made Château series, named after prestigious Bordeaux wine estates. These cigars were produced at the El Laguito factory in Havana until 1991, when Davidoff ended its Cuban production and moved to the Dominican Republic. The Château Margaux measured 159mm x 16.67mm (6.25" x 42 ring gauge), making it a classic corona format. The series included Château Latour, Château Lafite, and Château Yquem, with Margaux positioned as a medium-bodied, elegant smoke reflecting the finesse of its wine namesake.

What does a vintage Davidoff Château Margaux cigar taste like compared to modern Davidoff cigars?

Vintage Cuban Davidoff Château Margaux cigars deliver a refined profile of cedar, toasted nuts, and subtle floral notes with a characteristic Cuban twang—distinct from today's Dominican Davidoffs. The original Cuban leaf provided earthy undertones and a delicate sweetness rarely replicated. Modern Davidoff cigars, while meticulously constructed, utilize Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Ecuadoran tobaccos yielding creamier, more approachable profiles. Collectors note the Château Margaux's medium body and complex finish, with well-aged examples (30+ years) developing pronounced leather and dried fruit characteristics unavailable in contemporary releases.

How much does a box of Davidoff Château Margaux cigars cost at auction today?

Authentic pre-1991 Davidoff Château Margaux cigars command substantial premiums at auction due to scarcity and historical significance. Individual cigars typically sell for $300-$800 depending on condition and provenance, while intact 25-count boxes range from $8,000 to $25,000. Factors affecting price include original packaging integrity, storage history, and factory codes. The 1980s production years are particularly sought after. Buyers should verify authenticity through reputable auction houses like Sotheby's or Christie's, as counterfeits circulate in the secondary market. These cigars are generally acquired for collection rather than regular consumption.

Cigar Information

Davidoff Château Margaux

The Château Margaux represented one of the distinguished offerings in Davidoff's celebrated cigar portfolio during the brand's Cuban era. Named after the legendary Bordeaux wine estate, this vitola embodied the sophistication and refinement that defined Davidoff's approach to premium cigar craftsmanship during its production years in Havana.

Historical Overview

Introduced to the market in 1969, the Château Margaux joined Davidoff's prestigious Château series, which drew inspiration from renowned French wine appellations. The cigar remained in production for two decades before being discontinued in 1989, marking the end of its run during Davidoff's Cuban manufacturing period. Throughout its production lifespan, it maintained status as a regular production item rather than a limited edition release.

Specifications

Vitola Name	Château Margaux
Factory Name	Marevas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	129 mm (5⅛ inches)
Official Weight	8.46 grams
Construction	Handmade

Band and Presentation

During its early production period, the Château Margaux was presented without any band adorning the cigar. This minimalist approach changed around 1980, when Davidoff began applying the standard Band A to this vitola, bringing it in line with the visual identity established across the brand's portfolio.

Packaging Options

The Château Margaux was available to consumers in several packaging configurations:

Cardboard pack containing 5 cigars
Slide lid box holding 25 cigars
Slide lid box holding 50 cigars

The slide lid chest presentation was characteristic of Davidoff's premium positioning, offering collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire larger quantities of these Cuban-made cigars in elegant packaging befitting the brand's luxury status.

Legacy

The discontinuation of the Château Margaux in 1989 came as Davidoff's relationship with Cuban production was drawing to a close. The brand would eventually transition production to the Dominican Republic, making the Cuban-made Château Margaux a sought-after item among collectors who value the historical significance of Davidoff's Havana era.

Questions & Answers

Back to Encyclopedia