Pavillon Rouge 1996

Lovely aromas of berries, light vanilla and cedar follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a slightly austere finish. — ’95/’96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now.

Because of the costs involved in the run of 1991–1994 inclusive, they weren’t as selective as in 1990, for example. Quite edgy on the nose. Very focused nose but a bit lacking sweetness and charm. Edgy. Rather grainy tannins on the finish. The grand vin 1996 is very different indeed. (JR)

Fully developed, the secondary notes of tobacco leaf, kirsch, spice and cedar are easy to find. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, showing notes of green herbs and leaf, along with light red cherries. Better on the nose than the palate, this should be consumed sooner rather than later to preserve the remaining fruit.

97: Barrel sample (17/20): fruity bouquet, lots of raspberry mixed with fine tobacco notes; the fruit comes across gently jammy. On the palate it’s dancing, delicate in texture, showing plenty of primary fruit, almost similar to a Beaujolais, yet with good backbone and a lovely length. A great second wine. 01: Beautiful candied-sugar sweetness, delicate, with almost Richebourg-like aromatic contours on a nose that’s already quite accessible. On the palate, forest berries, gentle texture; the finish shows cherry tones, overall very red-berry and feminine. The first drinking window has already been reached. 07: It stood next to the Châtea Margaux 1997 and thus appeared fuller and sweeter. A very successful second wine which, in this vintage, belongs among the 20 best Margaux. 07: Medium-dark. Slender bouquet, showing floral freshness, white pepper, fresh red berries. On the palate, with a fine body, it shows supporting tannins that it still needs to integrate, but it will develop plenty of charm. Decant for one hour.