PAVILLON ROUGE 2nd wine of Chateau Margaux, Margaux 2023 Wooden Case x 3 Bottles - PRE-RELEASE

Description

THE WINE ADVOCATE (92-94)
Reviewed by: William Kelley
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.

Philippe Bascaules describes the 2023 vintage as "another hot, dry year" at Château Margaux but one characterized by regular rains and comparatively overcast skies. Picking began on September 11 and concluded on October 5. Some fruit was lost to sunburn in the late-season heat wave, and removing those berries during harvest took time (sorting remains entirely manual at this estate, performed by the pickers in the vineyards). Some lots, especially Merlot, were very rich in juice and thus saw a saignée of up to 15%. It's also the first vintage in organic conversion at this address.

JAMES SUCKLING 96-97 Points
18 Apr, 2024 – 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.

DECANTER 93
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 10 Apr 2024) Part of Best Margaux 2023 wines tasted en primeur
Drinking Window: 2027 - 2041
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.

JANE ANSON 93
LISA PEROTTI-BROWN 92-94+

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Delivery - Spring or Autumn 2026.
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