Pavillon Rouge Margaux 2025 - Second vin (Primeurs)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

More substantial in structure than some previous vintages, with a clear stylistic connection to the grand vin. A particularly appealing way to explore the world of this cru.

About the estate:

This wine has never disappointed since its acquisition by the Mentzelopoulos family in 1977, and easily stands out among all the Margaux appellation wines. Of particular note is the rare combination of finesse within density and freshness within opulence, achieved without any hint of overripe grapes, thanks to 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 white wines of Bordeaux, thanks to its rich body and the aromatic nobility of ideally ripe Sauvignon. The red wine requires extensive aging in the bottle.

Decanter

About the wine:

Fresh plum, a few balsamic notes, fresh rose petals. Fragrant, dark notes, a hint of spice, and a gentle minerality. Juicy and succulent—the acidity is clearly present, but it’s the texture that really stands out, so soft and velvety on the palate, with a lively yet fresh blueberry acidity, spicy notes of licorice, hints of violet, and a pronounced salinity of graphite and pencil lead on the finish. A clear structure, yet great generosity in terms of fruit purity. A rather serious Pavillon. Harvesting of the young vines began on September 8, the Merlot on the 11th, and the Cabernet on the 19th, concluding on the 29th. A yield of 22 hl/ha. pH of 3.68. IPT of 78. 28% of the production was second wine, compared to the usual 30%. 12% press wine. 4% Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. 2030–2044

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

A legendary estate at the end of a long avenue of plane trees. The majesty of the Neo-Palladian-style 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 planted at the end of the following century by a relative of the Pontac family. Having passed through several owners over the centuries, it was acquired in 1977 by André Mentzelopoulos (Felix Potin). Drainage, replanting, an on-site cooperage... a major renovation of the estate was undertaken—in the vineyards, the winery, and the château—ushering 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 managed by Corinne Mentzelopoulos, André’s daughter, who was able to rely for more than thirty years 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 heading a major California winery, succeeded 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. Particularly admirable is the rare marriage of finesse within density and freshness within opulence—achieved without any hint of overripe grapes—resulting from a blend composed overwhelmingly of Cabernet Sauvignon. 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 white wines of Bordeaux, thanks to its rich body and the aromatic nobility of perfectly ripe Sauvignon Blanc. 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 the day 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. The estate owes all these distinctive qualities to its superb terroir, composed mainly 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 an even more rigorous selection process, the most recent vintages appear to be the most well-rounded yet. The estate also produces, under the name Pavillon Blanc, a wine that—thanks to stricter standards in the ripening of the Sauvignon grapes—has become one of Bordeaux’s finest white wines.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Blackcurrant, blueberry, and smoked tobacco, along with the spicy notes and complexity typical of a Margaux, characterize the 2025 Pavillon Rouge from Château Margaux, which bears a striking resemblance to the Grand Vin. Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, and aged 60% in new oak barrels, it is rich and medium-bodied to full-bodied on the palate, with a deep and complex texture, remarkable maturity and purity, and a beautiful finish. With an alcohol content of 13.9% and a pH of 3.68, it boasts an incredible texture and is truly an excellent wine in its own right.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Freshness and ripeness are equally evident in the Pavillon Rouge’s bouquet. It reveals notes of very ripe black berries, floral nuances, a hint of oak, and hints of peppermint. Slightly smooth on the palate, the wine stands out for the finesse of its tannins. The tannins are full-bodied, yet they are also robust. This quality can also be attributed to the wine’s acidity, which lends it character and even a touch of sharpness. It is a cohesive, well-balanced, and very serious wine that reflects the Margaux team’s commitment to precision, particularly regarding the finesse of the tannins. A truly outstanding achievement.  2030–2050