Pavillon Rouge Margaux 2010 - 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.

Decanter

About wine:

Now 11 years old, it bursts with layers of aroma. It is refined and vibrant, filled 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 laced 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 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 making both a third and fourth selection, and for the first time, Pavillon Rouge represented the same proportion as the main wine, i.e., 38% of the harvest. 2021-2036

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

In 2010, the Pavillon Rouge underwent a particularly rigorous selection process. The result? A wine with a sparkling color. The bouquet is equally impressive, with rich fruit notes (blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry) complemented by hints of peony and fresh oak. As for the palate, fresh, fruity and firm from the outset, it is supported by dense, silky tannins coated in a smooth texture, and stretches into a beautiful finish with spicy accents (cinnamon, white pepper). Perfectly balanced, the whole is very classy and will reach its full potential after seven to ten years of aging.

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.

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 Spectator

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

Slightly blurred garnet color. Very subtle nose and obvious use of high-quality oak. Sumptuous texture. Truly splendid for a relatively early tasting. Very long, both fresh and ripe. Truly delicious. No excess tannins, but no risk of aging too quickly.

James Suckling

About 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 that this is a second wine. At its peak after 2018.

Jean-Marc Quarin

About wine:

Slightly discreet nose, with ripe, even sunny fruitiness. A hint of meatiness. The palate is caressing. The wine melts and develops an airy, delicious character, with no tannic presence.