Pavillon Rouge 2020

Subtle aromas of red berries; starts very fruity, develops great freshness as well as notable density and depth over first-class tannins, with a long, fruity finish; ranks among the finest Pavillon Rouge ever, coming very close to the Château.

Liquorice and aniseed-tinged blackcurrants on the nose, very medicinal, deep, heady, perfumed too but softly scented, more savoury and spiced. Smooth and supple, fully tannic – they coat the mouth but seamlessly, still leaving the vibrant, lively, forward and upfront fruit to shine. So much energy, crisp and crunchy dark fruit – blackcurrant, black cherry, raspberry and plum. A sense of heat enters on the finish with liquorice and clove coming through, reminding you this is a serious wine with plenty of ageing potential. Excellent length and a sense of classicism – a totally moreish Pavillon. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Subtle and attractive aromas of blackcurrants and flowers with hints of spices. Black truffles as well. Medium to full body, with fine, nicely integrated and racy tannins. Succulent on the finish. Umami, too. Drinkable but better after 2027.

The 2020 Pavillon Rouge is just as gorgeous from bottle as it was from barrel. Rich and sumptuous, with no hard edges, the Pavillon Rouge captures the combination of fruit richness and energy that is such a signature of the year. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and mint are all beautifully delineated. Lively acids, sweet floral and vibrant saline notes extend the effortless finish. The 2020 is a gorgeous Pavillon Rouge.

Flowers, incense, cherries, and licorice aromas create the nose. Supple, fresh, and lush, with silky tannins and layers of sweet, ripe, elegant red berries that leave a lasting impression. The finish is fresh, balanced, long, and pure. The wine was made by blending 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2023–2045.

Deep ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, discreet ochre rim. Fine noble wood spices with cinnamon and mandarin zest over wild black berry fruit, subtle tobacco nuances, a hint of liquorice and delicate toasty aromas. Juicy, fresh red cherries, lively structure, mineral-citrus finish, salty note. Plenty of ageing potential.

Floral with violet notes, intense and pure with layered and elegant dark fruit, very cabernet. Grainy and polished texture, very powdery, with intense dark berry flavors and a long, pure finish.

As to the reds, the 2020 Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge is classic Château Margaux with its finesse, elegance, and purity. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot aged in 50% new French oak, it has a great perfume of cassis and darker cherries as well as notes of dried flowers, sandalwood, and graphite. Beautifully balanced, layered, and concentrated, it's a gem of a second wine with plenty of Grand Vin character. It will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and keep for two decades.

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is deep garnet-purple colored. It flows gently out of the glass with notes of black cherries, kirsch, and black raspberries, giving way to classic cassis, pencil shavings, and tar scents with a touch of lavender. The medium-bodied palate is finely knit and elegant, with seamless freshness and a compelling, grainy-textured, earth-laced finish.

Finesse is a roaming thread in Margaux, at the château and within the AOC as a whole. It is certainly one of the key elements of the vintage. Pavillon Rouge presents itself in a filigreed, subtle manner. It reveals discreet nuances from élevage, accompanied by scents of red berries and spices. The wine shows temperament and density. It unfolds gracefully through creamy, fine-grained tannins. The aromatic expression is somewhat restrained, but the substance on hand will showcase it over time. An elegant, conquering wine with good ageing potential.

The nose is fruity, elegant and offers lovely delicacy, depth, fine grain, a certain richness (with finesse and accuracy) as well as complexity. It reveals notes of bright boysenberry, creamy purple plum and, more slightly, blueberry, combined with touches of pulpy raspberry, along with subtle hints of lily, lilac, nutmeg, star anise and very discreet touches of caramelization. The palate is fruity, balanced and characterful, offering juiciness, smoothness, a lovely tangy backbone, gourmandise, good definition, fine tension, depth, beautiful freshness, lovely delicacy, power, fine grain as well as generous elegance. There is a great deal of precision/subtlety in this wine. On the palate, it expresses notes of pulpy/juicy redcurrant and pulpy/juicy strawberry, and more slightly bright blackcurrant, combined with touches of tangy plum, fine hints of violet, lilac, caramelization, star anise and Voatsiperifery pepper, as well as discreet hints of black tea and a subtle touch of Bourbon vanilla. The tannins are precise and offer a touch of plushness. A fine sapidity and a touch of plushness on the finish/persistence.

94–96. Barrel Sample. The second wine of Château Margaux is beautiful, smoky with acidity that is intense and yet integrated with the perfumed fruits. The wine's freshness is very much a product of the vintage, giving the tannins a fine lift. Of course the wine will age.