Professional reviews
Robert Parker (92)
The 2023 Pavillon Rouge, which incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since 2016, opens in the glass with notes of sweet cherries and raspberries mingled with rose, violet and cigar wrapper. Medium-bodied, supple and lively, it's framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chalky finish.
James Suckling (97)
Extremely perfumed rose-petal, lead-pencil and dark-bark aromas follow through to a medium to full body with crunchy, juicy tannins and a creamy, polished texture. Deep, long and flavorful. One of the best Pavillon Rouges in a while. A blend of 79% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.
Vinous (93)
The 2023 Pavillon Rouge is classy, elegant and polished. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, pomegranate and mint all grace this delicate, super-refined Pavillon Rouge. Fine, silky tannins add to the wine's total sense of classicism, restraint and finesse. The precision and purity here are just unreal.
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Deep purple-hued, the 2023 Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge offers gorgeous crème de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and spicy wood-driven aromatics. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, remarkably pure, and has ripe, round, polished tannins as well as ample mid-palate depth. Based on 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc and aged 20 months in 60% new oak, the quality of this cuvée has skyrocketed with the addition of the third wine and more of the Cabernet Sauvignon going into this bottling. It can be enjoyed today with incredible pleasure, yet I'd be shocked if this didn't keep for three 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.
