Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux 2023 Chateau Margaux

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (93)

92-94: Somewhat reminiscent of a cooler-fruited version of the lovely 2019, Château Margaux's 2023 Pavillon Rouge wafts from the glass with aromas of cassis, raspberries, licorice and pipe tobacco, deftly framed by creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with a sweet core of fruit, ripe tannins and a lively, succulent profile, it's a blend 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc that attained 13.3% alcohol.

James Suckling (97)

96-97: Very Chateau Margaux, with perfumed violets, currants and other berries, as well as oranges. Medium body with fine, caressing tannins that are tight and vivid. Racy and refined. Brightness and beauty to this second wine. Succulent. Refined. One of the best Pavillon Rouges in a while. 30% of the production. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.

Vinous (92)

90-93: The 2023 Pavillon Rouge is a deep, intense wine. Bright acids drive a core of dark red-toned fruit, spice and flowers. There's a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, which makes structural elements stand out, but the tannins are on the lower side analytically. I would give this a few years to come together. Pavillon Rouge represents 30% of the château's production.

Jeb Dunnuck (92)

91-93+: The second wine of the château is the 2023 Château Margaux Pavillon, which is based on 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Representing 30% of the production, it's a beautiful second wine offering classic cassis and raspberry-like fruit as well as graphite, freshly sharpened pencils, and spicy nuances. More red fruit-driven, medium to full-bodied, and ripe, with chalky, velvety tannins, it's well worth seeking out and will drink well for two decades.

Decanter (93)

Subtle aromatics, dried flowers, pot pourri, rose, blackcurrant and raspberry. Deep purple colour to the rim, vibrant but intense, some graphite and herbal Cabernet notes on the nose too. Bright and sharp, quite linear and a touch austere at this point, lean and straight - well defined and focussed with lovely fruit intensity and purity. Not fleshy, but there's lots of energy and precision to this. Very classic and will round out nicely. 14% press wine. 60% new oak. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 68 IPT, 3.6pH, 30% second wine production.

Falstaff (94)

Dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicate herbal savouriness, a hint of clove and cardamom, dark cherry fruit, blackberry, fresh mandarin zestare in the background. Juicy, delicate fruit sweetness, fine tannins, good freshness,elegant and persistent, a finesse-rich food companion, mineral-salty finish.