Press review

Decanter : 17,5/20

Fine deep colour, fine fragrant nose, Cabernet dominates with natural concentration while Merlot adds roundness, lovely middle palate, fine structure and length. Drink 2010-18. (17.5 points)

Domaine (12/1/2008)

The 2004 Pavillon Rouge is a worthy second to the First Wine. It has all the stuffing of the First without having the final touches. The nose is powerful and fine, more open today than that of the First Wine. On the palate, it is fine, harmonious, well integrated and finishes with a delicate freshness, a testimony to the perfect ripeness of the grapes. (December 2008)

Jean-Marc Quarin # web (9/1/2006) : 16,25 (89)

On 30th June, this wine was being bottled. And yet what a lovely surprise at the nose! In the mouth the wine is not as it usually is. Generally speaking, a second wine differs from the first in quality and, above all, in style. However, this Pavillon Rouge 2004 is much more like a scale model of the first than a different wine. This sensation is explained by the higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blending: 60% compared with 50% in other vintages. The extra 10% maintain the sensations at the finish. The wine stretches out in the mouth. Up until now, this was the privilege of Château Margaux. Other elements of the blending: 38% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot.

Parker # 171 (6/1/2007) : 89 Maturity: -2022

Margaux’s second wine, the 2004 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, may turn out to be outstanding. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by fleshy notes of black currants, cherries, smoke, earth, and spring flowers. Lovely, ripe, and opulent, it is best consumed during its first 10-15 years of life.

Weinwisser (René Gabriel) (4/1/2005) : 17/20 Maturity: 2010-2018

Wine Spectator (3/30/2005) : 89-91

A balanced and fruity wine with good blackberry and currant character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Grows on the palate. Medium finish. Pretty. -- J.S.

The property in brief

The second wine of Château Margaux first appeared in the 19th century and took on its present name, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, in 1908. After vanishing from the scene between the 1930s and the 1970s, its production was started up again as soon as André Mentzelopoulos took over the estate in 1977, and has continued to grow in order to improve the quality of the first wine. For the last few years, a third wine has in turn appeared to enhance the quality of Pavillon Rouge. It is made from wines which were not selected at the blending to go into Château Margaux.