2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux
By Chateau Margaux
2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux, France
The beguiling 2017 vintage from the Chateau Margaux estate presents an intriguing narrative for the discerning investor. In this year, the Pavillon Rouge speaks eloquently of the challenges and triumphs of its birth, embracing the cool spring and early September rains which have sculpted its profile with masterful finesse.
A Study in Elegance: The Craft Behind the Vintage
The 2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux stands as a testament to the resilience and deft management of the revered Margaux terroir. The vineyard team's response to the whims of nature has yielded a wine that articulates its pedigree with both grace and strength; a dual nature that sets it apart within the portfolio as a vintage of notable character and potential longevity. This is not merely another elaboration of Chateau Margaux's signature style; it is a distinct chapter in its vinous history.
Delicate Complexity: A Tasting Journey
Upon first encounter, the 2017 Pavillon Rouge from Chateau Margaux beguiles with its vivid ruby hue and alluring bouquet mingling crushed violet petals with whispers of blackcurrant and subtle spice—the introduction to an eloquent sensory dialogue. The palate reveals a wine at peace with its lineage; tannins, while present, are judiciously integrated, affording structure without overshadowing the gentle wave of dark cherries and nuanced cedar. The elegant ballet between fruit and minerality concludes with a finish that lingers thoughtfully, promising rewards for those who afford it time in the cellar.
For those invested in curating collections that speak to exceptional narratives as much as outstanding quality, this offering from Bordeaux's storied left bank merits attention. Its journey from bud to bottle encapsulates a year when precision viticulture turned adversity into opportunity – producing a 2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux that will resonate through time.
Market price (GBP)
£1,310.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
87.33
Scores and tasting notes
There is very pretty purity of fruit to this with lots of currant, strawberry and plum character. Lots of chocolate and hazelnut too. Full body, velvety tannins and a chewy finish. Excellent for the vintage. About half the normal production. This is the same level of quality as 2016.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux has a lovely open and expressive spicy nose of cinnamon and cloves with a core of red currant jelly, kirsch and crushed blackberries plus touches of tobacco and new leather. The palate is medium-bodied with great mid-palate intensity and plenty of red and black fruit layers, finishing on an uplifting perfumed note.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with lively notes of crushed redcurrants, warm cassis and wild blueberries plus hints of cinnamon toast, dried roses and lavender with a waft of chocolate box. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lovely skip in its step with bags of bright, crunchy red and black fruits and a soft texture of finely grained tannins, finishing long and refreshing. This label accounts for 22% of Chateau Margaux's production.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
The 2017 Pavillon Rouge is a very pretty wine. Fresh, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2017 is all class. There is a purity to the flavors here that is simply remarkable. Estate Manager Sebastian Vergne told me the winemaking team opted to raise temperatures at the end of fermentation to gain a bit more color, depth and polymerization of tannins. Pavillon Rouge represents 22% of the estate's production.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Pavillon Rouge de Margaux, which is matured in 50% new oak, has a lovely, melted tar-tinged bouquet with plenty of black fruit. I like the definition and focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly gritty, rigid tannin on the entry that lend this Pavillon Rouge quite a firm backbone. It does not convey the elegance of the 2016 but there is plenty of spice and vigour on the finish.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18