Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux, 2018

Tasting Note:

The Pavillon Rouge 2018 represents 30% of the crop and is crafted from 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. This Pavillon has a massive, concentrated feel, perhaps in part because two plots of Cabernet Sauvignon on clay that normally go into the grand vin have been incorporated into the Pavillon blend, which lends additional weight, power and tannins. This has real stature - grand, textural and mouth coating. Complex fruit on the nose, fragrant and floral, then tightly coiled red berry fruit and chalky minerals are followed by deep and powerful tannins. This is probably the most profound and large-scale Pavillon ever - it's a slight departure from the effortless, ethereal style we've become accustomed to, but this is mighty impressive and should blossom into a very fine and long-lived wine.