Vintus

Pavillon Rouge, Margaux

The second wine of Château Margaux first appeared in the 19th century and took on its present name, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, in 1908. After vanishing from the scene between the 1930s and the 1970s, its production was started up again as soon as André Mentzelopoulos took over the estate in 1977, and has continued to grow in order to improve the quality of the first wine. For the last few years, a third wine has in turn appeared to enhance the quality of Pavillon Rouge.

• 2009 Vintage

  • "The dark ruby/purple-hued 2009 Pavillon Rouge de Chateau Margaux offers a big, sweet kiss of spring flowers intermixed with blueberries and blackberries, a silky texture, and a dense, concentrated, but seamless mouthfeel. This glorious wine should drink well for 20 or more years." 91-93 Points Wine Advocate

  • "Bright ruby. Knockout nose melds violet, red cherry, milk chocolate and menthol. Wonderfully concentrated and primary, with a soft texture and captivating inner-mouth perfume to the red cherry and mineral flavors. An impeccably balanced wine with impressive vinosity and grip. Finishes with sweet tannins and excellent length. This very dense wine is probably the best Pavillon Rouge ever made and is my candidate for the best second wine of the year. Pontallier believes this is the first Pavillon ever that can rate with some Château Margaux bottlings of the past." 90-92 Points International Wine Cellar

  • "Fine deep colour, great purity of Cabernet on the nose, a really beautiful wine, pure Margaux, perfect balance and unexpected length.” 18/20 Decanter

  • "Very sleek, with a lovely winey edge to the plum, cassis and blackberry fruit, laced with roasted apple wood, lilac and singed iron notes. Tangy and lengthy, with ample depth, but also nearly approachable now." 91 Points Wine Spectator

• 2008 Vintage

  • "The second wine, the 2008 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, represents 47% of the crop (keep in mind that 17% of the total crop was sold off in bulk), and is composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the rest mostly Petit Verdot with a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc. It is a beautiful wine exhibiting classic purity along with red and black fruits intermixed with licorice, tobacco leaf, and floral nuances. Sweet, round tannins, and a lovely forward freshness suggest this stunning second wine should drink well young, yet last for 15+ years." 90-92 Points Wine Advocate

• 2007 Vintage

  89-91 Points Wine Advocate

• 2006 Vintage

  We often forget that the rigor in the selection for the blend benefits not only the wine of Château Margaux, but also Pavillon Rouge, because the batches which are not in the end chosen for the first wine bring up the quality of the second wine. In the same way, the existence of a third wine over the last several years has freed the second wine from anything that could drag its quality down. These two reasons probably explain why Pavillon Rouge has improved so much over the last ten years. In 2006, it represents a bit over a half of the crop, while almost 10% has been left to go into the third wine. About 40% of the Pavillon Rouge blend of course is made up of most of the Merlot; it blends in very nicely since it has plenty of finesse and power, and is only lacking that graceful touch that is so particular to, and perhaps exclusive to the Cabernet Sauvignon. The latter therefore still makes up the majority with 55% of the whole. As with the first wine, but to a lesser extent of course, it brings the 2006 a tannic power and rare vivacity, both of these characteristics being supported by the presence of 4% Petit Verdot. This blend of grape varieties is quite classic for the Pavillon Rouge. And it works… The Pavillon Rouge 2006 is a powerful wine, full of flavour, with a fresh, firm finish, perhaps a little austere today, but whose richness and balance guarantee superb development in the years to come

  • "Delicate and elegant wine, with smoky fruit, ripe but freshened with a tight layer of acidity. It has delicious black currant juice flavors, but the texture remains light and the tannins soft." 90 Points Wine Enthusiast

• 2005 Vintage

  An amazing 2005! The Merlot that was not allowed a place in the blend of the top wine brings incredible power and life to the Pavillon Rouge. It makes up 48% of the blend! The Cabernets (also 48%) contribute both density and restraint which could have been missing in the opulent, fleshy character of the Merlot. The Petit Verdot (4%) plays its discreet and necessary part of condiment to the full. The blend as a whole is surprisingly powerful, fat and balanced –that’s the magic of blending! 2005 is the richest Pavillon Rouge, both in alcohol and tannins, that we have ever produced. Is it the best one? That is another question, and also a matter of taste and patience.

  • "Very beautiful aromas of crushed flowers--like roses--follow through to plum, berry and Indian spices. Full-bodied, refined and silky, with lovely ripe fruit and a delicate aftertaste of raisin and flowers. The second wine of Margaux." 92 Points Wine Spectator

  • "Margaux’s second wine gets better with each vintage. The 2005 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux (200,000 bottles produced) is an equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a hefty alcohol content. Fleshy, opulent, and nearly decadent, with terrific fruit, a creamy texture, and supple tannin, it can be enjoyed over the next 12-15+ years." 91 Points Wine Advocate

  • "All about red fruits, this is a celebration of ripe Merlot and Cabernet. It is touched with wood, but the flavors are of lively acidity, red berries, just showing some bitter chocolate. And to finish, more freshness." 91 Wine Enthusiast