2018 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux
By Chateau Margaux
2018 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux from Chateau Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux
The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux is receiving rapturous commendations and the Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux from the esteemed Chateau Margaux does not shy away from such deserving accolades. With the climate playing its masterful hand, this harvest has cemented itself in the annals of memorable winemaking years.
The Quintessence of Margaux Elegance
A wine of refined structure and poise, the 2018 Pavillon Rouge elucidates the virtue of its vineyard with a vivid clarity that leaves a lasting impression. While global investors may seek wines as robust assets, purity and pedigree remain paramount — and it's here that this offering excels.
A Vintage Cast by Climatic Splendour
An exquisite balance between the triumphant heat of the growing season and timely precipitation bestowed upon the grapes an optimal ripening locale. It resulted in a Pavillon Rouge that is voluptuous yet precisely delineated — a dichotomy that only a region like Margaux can seamlessly manifest.
The 2018 rendition articulates a remarkable finesse - blackberries and currants fuse with whispers of violet and a savoury undercurrent characteristic to often austere Bordeaux reds. Yet, there is nothing austere about this vintage; it strides with confident tannic architecture, adorned with deft oak treatment.
As an investment piece, the 2018 Pavillon Rouge stands out due to its astute integration of concentration, complexity, and longevity — valuable traits for connoisseurs and investors alike. This wine not only promises pleasure in its nascency but also forecasts a dynamic evolution over time.
In summary, while Chateau Margaux's flagship label garners much of the glory, their secondary offering - the 2018 Pavillon Rouge - serves as an illustrious ambassador for both the chateau's renowned craftsmanship and the astonishing attributes of this spellbinding vintage.
Market price (GBP)
£1,540.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
102.67
Scores and tasting notes
Fantastic depth of ripe fruit with currant and dark-berry aromas. Hints of citrus and dry earth. Full body and round, velvety tannins that are melted into the wine. Very intense and fruity.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
The 2018 Pavillon Rouge accounts for 30% of the crop this year. It is composed of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, with 14.5% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of crushed black and red currants, warm black berries and plum pudding with touches of fungi, cedar chest, truffles and smoked meats plus a fragrant undercurrent of fallen leaves and potpourri. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a solid backbone of fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness supporting the vibrant red and black fruits, finishing long.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Pavillon Rouge is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, with 14.5% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with vivacious scents of chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and blackcurrant pastilles with suggestions of bay leaves, pencil lead, tapenade and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a generous amount of black fruit at the core with loads of earthy and savory accents and a soft, approachable frame, finishing long with an herbal lift. It is approachable now but should be a lot more expressive with a couple of years in bottle and drink nicely over the following 15 to 18 years or more.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
Richly coloured, almost inky, this is seductive and full of flavour with raspberry and brambled fruits that have texture and density. For me, this is far more similar to the 2009 than the 2010. It's an enjoyable Pavillon, all parts present and correct and well assembled, even if it's a little less supple and fragrant than in some years. A subtle closing in on the finish gives you a clue to how tannic this really is (82IPT, high for this estate). 3% Cabernet Franc makes up the blend, with 13% press wine. 60% new oak ageing.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
The 2018 Pavillon Rouge is absolutely gorgeous. Pliant, rich and enveloping, Pavillon Rouge is unusually deep in this vintage. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, tobacco, licorice and rose petal are all given an extra kick of textural resonance in the 2018. Dehydration at the end of the growing season concentrated the fruit, a phenomenon that was mostly felt in younger vines and parcels on gravel soils rather than clay. Even with all of its obvious richness, the 2018 has striking aromatic intensity and brilliance to round things out. Pavillon Rouge accounts for 30% of the harvest and is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019