Pavillon Rouge Margaux 2019 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

This cru has never disappointed since it was bought by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977. and easily dominates the entire Margaux appellation. Particularly noteworthy are the rare marriage of finesse in density and freshness in opulence, without any over-ripening of the grapes, obtained with a very strong majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. A dozen hectares planted with white grapes produce Pavillon Blanc, which in just a few years has become one of three or four of Bordeaux's finest dry whites, for its richness of constitution aromatic nobility of ideally ripe Sauvignon. The red red wine needs long bottle ageing.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

A myth at the end of a long avenue of plane trees. The majesty of the neo-Palladian mansion (built in 1810), which succeeded a former stronghold belonging to some of the region's leading families, has contributed to its renown. The estate was created at the end of the 16th century, and the vineyard at the end of the following century, by a relative of the Pontac family. Passing through several hands over the centuries, it was acquired in 1977 by André Mentzelopoulos (Felix Potin). Drainage, replanting, integrated cooperage... a vast renovation of the estate was undertaken, in the vineyard, the cellar and the château, bringing the cru into the modern era. The new winery, designed by Norman Foster, was inaugurated in 2015. The 99-hectare vineyard also owes its quality to its exceptional terroir, a vast, superb limestone slab covered with fine gravel. It has been run since 1980 by Corinne Mentzelopoulos, André's daughter, who for over thirty years was able to count on Paul Pontallier, who joined the château in 1983 and became director in 1990: a career that sadly came to a premature end in March 2016. Replacing him in 2017 is Philippe Bascaules, an agricultural engineer who worked at the château for twenty years before heading up a major Californian estate. This cru has never disappointed since it was bought by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977, and easily dominates the whole Margaux appellation. In particular, we admire the rare marriage of finesse in density and freshness in opulence, without any over-ripening of the grapes, achieved with a very high majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. A dozen hectares planted with white grapes produce Pavillon-Blanc, which in just a few years has become one of the three or four greatest dry whites in Bordeaux, thanks to its rich constitution and the aromatic nobility of ideally ripe Sauvignon. The red wine needs long bottle ageing to assert its noble character.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Given that Margaux's second wine contains much of the fruit that made up the grand vin just 1 or 2 decades ago, one might expect great things from this bottling. Yet I was still surprised by the quality of Pavillon Rouge 2019. Aromas of raspberries, plums and cherries, mingled with rose petals and sweet spices waft from the glass. The wine is medium to full-bodied, sensual and concentrated, with beautifully refined tannins, racy acids and a long, penetrating finish. This is an exquisite Pavillon Rouge well worth discovering. I confess I don't buy many second wines, but I eagerly bought a case of this one just after tasting it.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Paul Pontalier, an emblematic figure and director of Château Margaux since 1983, passed away the day after the 2015 harvest, and Philippe Bascaules is now at the helm of this vintage of unrivalled consistency. Tasting a great Château Margaux at its peak remains a unique experience, so distinctive within its appellation is its characteristic floral bouquet, the depth of its flavors and the silkiness of its tannins. All of these characteristics are due to the superb terroir, composed mainly of gravel, which works so well for the Cabernets that make up the heart of Margaux, and which has remained virtually unchanged since its classification. Thanks to improved equipment and an even more rigorous selection process, the latest vintages appear to be the most complete yet. Under the name Pavillon Blanc, the estate also produces a wine which, thanks to a more exacting approach to Sauvignon ripeness, has become one of Bordeaux's finest whites.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Barrel sample. This is a ripe, deliciously juicy wine, balanced by plenty of structure and spice. The pure blackcurrant fruit is already impressive, giving a fine line of freshness combined with richness.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Fresh tobacco, blackcurrant and earth notes, opening to forest flowers. The wine is rich in tannins, but very delicate and beautiful. Layered, with lots of fine fruit and a velvety texture. Blackberry and chocolate on the finish too. Already delicious, but give it at least six years of bottle age. Best after 2027.

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

Dark, purple and beautiful color. Very aromatic nose, fine, fruity, pure, subtle and slightly smoky. The palate is distinguished by a particularly graceful bearing. The wine never ceases to caress the palate, juicy, melting, very tasty and noble on the finish, where something more difficult to describe is added in the persistence. A real delight.