Pavillon Rouge Margaux 2019 - Second vin

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 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 long aging in the bottle.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

A legendary estate at the end of a long avenue lined with 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 integrated cooperage... a major renovation of the estate was undertaken—in the vineyard, the cellar, and the château—ushering the estate into the modern era. The new cellar, 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. Since 1980, it has been managed by Corinne Mentzelopoulos, André’s daughter, who for over thirty years could count on Paul Pontallier, who joined the château in 1983 and became director in 1990: a career that sadly ended prematurely in March 2016. Agricultural engineer Philippe Bascaules, who worked at the château for twenty years before managing 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 structure and the aromatic nobility of ideally ripe Sauvignon. The red wine requires extended bottle aging to fully express its noble character.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Given that Margaux’s second wine contains much of the fruit that went into the first wine just one or two decades ago, one can expect great things from this bottling. Yet I was still surprised by the quality of the 2019 Pavillon Rouge. 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 acidity, and a long, penetrating finish. It is an exquisite Pavillon Rouge well worth discovering. I admit I don’t buy many second wines, but I eagerly bought a case of this one right after tasting it.

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 leads 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.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Tasted from the barrel. This is a mature wine, deliciously juicy, balanced by plenty of structure and spice. The pure blackcurrant fruit is already impressive, offering a subtle touch of freshness combined with richness.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Fresh tobacco, blackcurrant, and earthy notes, opening up to wildflowers. The wine is rich in tannins, yet very delicate and elegant. Layered, with plenty of refined fruit and a velvety texture. Blackberry and chocolate on the finish as well. Delicious now, but give it at least six years of bottle aging. Best after 2027.

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

A deep, beautiful purple color. The nose is highly aromatic, delicate, fruity, pure, subtle, and slightly smoky. On the palate, it stands out for its particularly graceful texture. The wine caresses the palate throughout, juicy, velvety, and full of flavor, with a noble finish that lingers, offering a nuance that is harder to describe. A delight.