Pavillon Rouge Margaux 2010 - 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.

Decanter

About the wine:

Now 11 years old, it bursts with layers of aroma. It is refined and vibrant, brimming with raspberry and black cherry fruit. It retains its juiciness and well-balanced structure from start to finish, displaying tannins that are still firm but interwoven with notes of tobacco, iris, and rose. This is usually the time when one would expect to start drinking a first wine, but here we have the Pavillon Rouge, which is just beginning to soften and open up—an excellent 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 producing both a third and a fourth selection, and for the first time, the Pavillon Rouge accounted for the same proportion as the main wine, namely 38% of the harvest. 2021–2036

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

In 2010, the Pavillon Rouge underwent a particularly rigorous selection process. The result? A wine with a sparkling color. Richly fruity (blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry) with hints of peony and fresh oak, the bouquet is equally impressive. 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 into a beautiful finish with spicy notes (cinnamon, white pepper). Perfectly balanced, the wine is of great class and will reach its full potential after seven to ten years of aging.

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.

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 Spectator

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

A slightly hazy garnet color. A very subtle nose with clear notes of high-quality oak. A sumptuous texture. Truly splendid for a wine tasted relatively young. Very long on the palate, both fresh and ripe. Truly delicious. No excess tannins, but no risk of it aging too quickly.

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 fullness, exceptionally refined 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. It will reach its peak after 2018.

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

The nose is subtly understated, with ripe, almost sunny fruit. A hint of meatiness. The palate is a delight. The wine melts in the mouth and unfolds with an airy, delicious quality, completely lacking in tannins.