Pavillon Rouge Margaux 2010 - 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, 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 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.

Decanter

About the wine:

Now 11 years old, it overflows with aromatic layers. It is refined and vibrant, brimming with raspberry and black cherry fruit. It retains its juice and well-balanced structure from start to finish, showing tannins that are still muscular but are interwoven with notes of tobacco, iris, and rose. This is usually the time when one would expect to begin drinking a first wine, but here we have Pavillon Rouge just beginning to soften and open up—a prime example of how not only the 2010 vintage but also the terroir of the Château Margaux vineyard slows everything down. At that time, they were making both a third and fourth selection, and for the first time, Pavillon Rouge represented the same proportion as the main wine, 38% of the harvest. 2021–2036

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

In 2010, Pavillon Rouge underwent a particularly rigorous selection process. The result? A wine with a brilliant, shimmering color. The bouquet is generously fruity (blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry) with a touch of peony and fresh oak. On the palate, fresh, fruity, and firm from the first sip, it is supported by dense, silky tannins enveloped in a smooth texture, and lingers in a beautiful finish with spicy accents (cinnamon, white pepper). Perfectly balanced, this wine is truly exceptional and will reach its full potential after seven to ten years of aging.

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.

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 suits the Cabernets that make up the heart of Margaux so well, 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 Spectator

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Slightly hazy garnet. Very subtle nose with evident use of high-quality oak. Sumptuous texture. Truly splendid enough for a relatively early tasting. Very long, both fresh and ripe. Absolutely delicious. No excess tannins, but no risk of premature aging.

James Suckling

About the wine:

This is the greatest Pavillon Rouge ever produced. Aromas of flowers, smoke, blackcurrant, and raspberry linger on the palate, offering beautiful breadth, exceptionally fine tannins, and a remarkably long finish. This wine is balanced and refined, with wonderful depth. It's hard to believe this is a second wine. At its peak after 2018.

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

The nose is slightly discreet, with ripe, even sun-drenched fruit. There's a hint of meatiness. The palate is a caress. The wine melts and develops an ethereal, delicious texture, with no tannic presence whatsoever.