Ratings & Tasting Notes:

95 points James Suckling

Blackberry, plum, light earth and undergrowth on the nose. Citrus, too. It’s full-bodied with rich, chewy tannins that turn energetic, fine and tight on the finish. Lively acidity. Second wine of Margaux. A blend of 69% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 9% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Try after 2024.

95 points Jeb Dunnuck

This cuvée has been in the running for the best second wine in the vintage for a number of years now, and I think it just might be there in 2018. The 2018 Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge checks in as 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, and it’s no lightweight effort, revealing a dense purple color as well as gorgeous crème de cassis, black cherry, crushed violets, sandalwood, smoke tobacco, and incense. It’s loaded with Château Margaux character, has medium to full-bodied richness, ample structure, and a great finish. I followed this bottle for multiple days and it only improved with air. Don’t underestimate this second wine – it’s incredibly impressive. Hide bottles for 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

95 points Wine Enthusiast

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux (composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot) bursts forth with exuberant Morello cherries, black raspberries and cassis scents accented by touches of menthol, dark chocolate and garrigue plus a waft of tree bark. The palate is medium-bodied, very elegant, vivacious and fresh with satiny tannins and a nice long finish. (LPB) 93+

Cult Wines International Notes:

Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux is the highly esteemed second wine of the Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, Château Margaux. Produced from the same exceptional terroir in the Margaux appellation, this wine benefits from the estate’s meticulous standards and winemaking expertise. It is crafted from a selection of grapes that do not make it into the final blend of the Grand Vin, but still possess the classic characteristics of the property.

The vineyard is primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The blend for Pavillon Rouge varies by vintage but is always a reflection of the superb quality of the grapes. The wine is treated with the same care as the Grand Vin, undergoing fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and wooden vats, and aging in French oak barrels.

In the glass, Pavillon Rouge is known for its graceful and approachable character. The nose offers a complex bouquet of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, along with delicate floral notes of violet and rose petal. Subtle hints of spice, cedar, and truffle add to its aromatic complexity. On the palate, the wine is elegant and refined, with a silky texture and fine-grained tannins. While it shares the DNA of the Grand Vin, it is designed to be more accessible in its youth.

Pavillon Rouge is celebrated for offering a taste of the legendary Château Margaux at a more approachable price point. It is a wine of great charm and finesse, providing a wonderful introduction to the estate’s style while also having the capacity to age gracefully for many years.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.

Outstanding condition.