| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Margaux's second wine is made from a serious selection process that takes place at this first growth château. There is also a third wine called Margaux de Margaux (that is not sold en primeur) with further wine sold off in bulk.
The 2025 represents 28% of the château's production and is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. 13.9% alcohol. Yield 22 hl/ha.
The 2025 Pavillon Rouge is a serious, youthfully structured second wine, unwinding in the glass with notes of dark berry fruit mingled with notes of anise, licorice and petals. Medium- to full-bodied, supple and lively, with a deep, tightly wound core of primary fruit and a long, vibrant finish, it will reward a bit of patience. This year, Pavillon Rouge represents 28% of the harvest, and it's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc.
The 2025 Pavillon Rouge represents 28% of the volume this year, a little lower than previous years, containing just a little more Petit Verdot (10%), matured as usual in around 60% new oak, though my sample was taken from a new barrel. It has a bright nose, black cherries and blueberry fruit, crushed violet developing in the glass, a hint of black olive. The palate is medium-bodied, with a pleasing rondeur on the entry, a “pillowy” Pavillon Rouge at this stage, a pleasing countervailing bitterness that balances the opulence that comes through on the slightly briny finish. Less jagged than its peers, this will be quite tempting in its youth, yet it certainly has the substance to last. Drink 2030-2045.
Deep magenta colour, with a flinty, incense-like smokiness on the nose. Lots of fragrant pressed flowers, pot pourri and cherry blossom line both nose and palate. The texture is smooth but not without pithy tannins. Deep and focused with darker fruit on the finish, this tightens nicely to a very pure length of cassis and a touch of baking spice. Well judged this year.
Flavoursome, this is luscious and juicy, with the concentration and ripeness that I was expecting in more of the wines this year. Rose petals, damson, slate, crayon, cocoa bean, mint, DNA of the Margaux appellation on display. Just 2018 and 2022 were higher numbers in terms of phenolic compounds, and the 3.68ph is still low, but the perception is far less intense than in many properties. 22hl/ha yield across the vineyard, harvest September 8 for young Merlot, then Cabernet Sauvignon began September 19 and finished September 29. IPT 78. 28% of the overall production. 2032-2040.
The 2025 Pavillon Rouge is a gorgeous, very sexy wine, a Margaux that captures the best the vintage had to offer. Succulent red cherry/plum fruit, mocha and new leather open first. This offers gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and fabulous persistence, not to mention compelling balance all around. It's a very fine Pavillon Rouge, but one that will require cellaring as the tannins are quite imposing.2033 - 2045
