Pavillon Rouge Margaux 2019 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This vintage has never disappointed since it was bought by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977, and easily dominates the entire Margaux appellation. We particularly admire the rare combination of finesse in density and freshness in opulence, without any over-ripeness of the grapes, achieved with a very high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. A dozen hectares planted with white grape varieties produce the Pavillon-Blanc, which in just a few years has become one of the three most sought-after wines in the Margaux appellation. majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Around 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 in Bordeaux, thanks to its rich structure 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 myth standing at the end of a long avenue lined with plane trees. The majesty of the neo-Palladian style residence (built in 1810), which replaced an old fortified house belonging to prominent families in the region, contributed to its renown. The estate was established at the end of the 16th century, and the vineyard was created at the end of the following century by a relative of the Pontac family. After passing through several hands over the centuries, it was acquired in 1977 by André Mentzelopoulos (Felix Potin). Drainage, replanting, integrated cooperage... a major renovation of the estate was undertaken, including the vineyard, the winery, and the château, bringing 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 and superb limestone slab covered with fine gravel. Since 1980, it has been run by Corinne Mentzelopoulos, André's daughter, who for more than 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. Agricultural engineer Philippe Bascaules, who worked at the château for twenty years before managing a large Californian estate, replaced him in 2017. This wine has never disappointed since its purchase by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977, and easily dominates the entire Margaux appellation. Particularly admirable is the rare combination of finesse in density and freshness in opulence, without any over-ripeness of the grapes, achieved with a very high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. 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 in Bordeaux, thanks to its rich composition and the aromatic nobility of perfectly ripe Sauvignon. The red wine requires long aging in the bottle to fully express its noble character.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

Given that Margaux's second wine contains much of the fruit that made up the grand vin only 1 or 2 decades ago, we 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, mixed with rose petals and sweet spices, escape from the glass. The wine is medium-bodied to full-bodied, sensual and concentrated, with beautifully refined tannins, racy acids, and a long, penetrating finish. This is an exquisite Pavillon Rouge that is well worth discovering. I admit that I don't buy many second wines, but I eagerly purchased 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. Philippe Bascaules now manages this estate, renowned for its exceptional 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, depth of flavor, and silky tannins. The wine owes these characteristics to its superb terroir, composed mainly of gravel, which is so well suited to the Cabernet grapes that form the heart of Margaux, and which has remained virtually unchanged since its classification. Thanks to improvements in working methods and even more rigorous selection, the latest vintages appear to be the most complete yet. The estate also produces a wine called Pavillon Blanc, which, thanks to more stringent requirements in terms of the ripeness of the Sauvignon grapes, has become one of the best white wines in Bordeaux.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

Barrel sample. This is a mature wine, deliciously juicy, 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 wine:

Fresh tobacco, blackcurrant, and earthy notes, opening up 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 as well. Already delicious, but give it at least six years of bottle aging. Best after 2027.

Jean-Marc Quarin

About wine:

Dark, purple, and beautiful color. Very aromatic, refined, fruity, pure, subtle, and slightly smoky nose. The palate is distinguished by its particularly graceful character. The wine caresses the palate, juicy, melting, very flavorful, and noble on the finish, with something more difficult to describe in the aftertaste. A delight.