Pavillon Blanc Bordeaux Blanc 2025 - Second vin (Primeurs)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This wine has never disappointed since its acquisition by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977, and easily stands out as the finest in the entire Margaux appellation. One particularly admires the rare combination of finesse within density and freshness within opulence, without any hint of overripeness in the grapes, achieved through a blend proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. About ten hectares planted with white grape varieties produce the Pavillon-Blanc, which in just a few years has become one of the three or four greatest dry white wines of Bordeaux, thanks to its rich body and the aromatic nobility of ideally ripe Sauvignon. The red wine requires long aging in the bottle.

Decanter

About the wine:

On the nose, aromas of clementines, grapefruit, white pear, chamomile, and elderflower. A magnificent, tangy freshness: lively and precise, with a heart of tart green apple—as if freshly picked—taking center stage. Juicy and almost sweet, with a hint of lemon sorbet and pineapple, yet possessing such clear, crystalline acidity. Intense and concentrated, extremely rich yet enhanced by the acidity. There is undeniably a certain opulence to this wine: it is full-bodied, impactful, and long on the palate, with notes of peach and apricot. No aggressive acidity, rather fresh and sweet fruit, but with real fullness. Magnificent, juicy—it simply puts a smile on your face. What a wonderful wine! A yield of 16 hl/ha. pH of 3.14. Harvested August 18–22. 2028–2040

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

A legendary estate at the end of a long avenue of plane trees. The grandeur of the Neo-Palladian mansion (built in 1810)—which replaced an old fortified house once owned by prominent local families—has contributed to its fame. The estate was established in the late 16th century, and the vineyard was created at the end of the following century by a relative of the Pontac family. Having passed through several hands over the centuries, it was acquired in 1977 by André Mentzelopoulos (Felix Potin). Drainage, replanting, an on-site cooperage... a major renovation of the estate was undertaken—in the vineyard, the winery, and the château—ushering the estate 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 managed since 1980 by Corinne Mentzelopoulos, André’s daughter, who was able to rely for over thirty years 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. Agricultural engineer Philippe Bascaules, who worked at the château for twenty years before heading a major California estate, replaced him in 2017. This wine has never disappointed since its acquisition by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977, and easily stands out as the finest in the entire Margaux appellation. One particularly admires the rare marriage of finesse within density and freshness within opulence, without any hint of overripeness in the grapes, achieved with a very high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. About ten hectares planted with white grape varieties produce the Pavillon-Blanc, which in just a few years has become one of the three or four greatest dry whites of Bordeaux, thanks to its rich body and the aromatic nobility of ideally ripe Sauvignon. The red wine requires extended bottle aging to fully express its noble character.

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

About the estate:

An iconic figure and director of Château Margaux since 1983, Paul Pontalier passed away shortly after the 2015 harvest, and Philippe Bascaules now oversees this estate, renowned for its unparalleled consistency. Tasting a great Château Margaux at its peak remains a unique experience, as the wine stands out within its appellation for its characteristic floral bouquet, the depth of its flavors, and the silkiness of its tannins. These distinctive qualities are owed to the estate’s superb terroir, composed primarily of gravel, which is so well-suited to the Cabernet varieties that form the heart of Margaux, and which has remained virtually unchanged since its classification. Thanks to improvements in winemaking techniques and even more rigorous selection, the latest vintages appear to be the most complete yet. The estate also produces, under the name Pavillon Blanc, a wine that, thanks to stricter standards in the pursuit of Sauvignon Blanc ripeness, has become one of Bordeaux’s finest whites.

James Suckling

About the wine:

A well-rounded Sauvignon Blanc with aromas and flavors of pear, apple, and lemon, featuring a full body and a refined texture that is both smooth and magnificent. It is lively and slightly fuller-bodied than many Pavillon Blancs.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Aged 20% in new oak barrels, Château Margaux’s Pavillon Blanc 2025 has an alcohol content of 14% and a pH of 3.14. Its nose, riper than usual, reveals aromas of citrus, honeyed lemon, white flowers, and a chalky minerality. On the palate, it is rich, pure, and concentrated, with remarkable depth and precision. As always, it is a brilliant, unique, and utterly captivating expression of Sauvignon Blanc.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Right from the start, the bouquet highlights its freshness without focusing on the varietal character of the Sauvignon Blanc. On the contrary, floral notes take center stage at first, before sharing the spotlight with aromas of mirabelle plums and nectarines, as well as a hint of flint. Slightly briny on the palate, the wine has body, but also a lively edge. Its calm and serene character is energized by a sharp edge that brings everything back into focus, ensuring harmony while still allowing for a sparkle in the background. An exceptional Pavillon Blanc that reminds us (if it were still necessary) that great white wines can be made on gravel soils (and a bit of clay)! 2028–2045