Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux, 2003
Like the Grand Vin, this Pavillon Rouge is the most concentrated ever, the result of low yields at only 30hl/ha. Ripe but restrained black fruit aromas and hints of toasted oak. There is fabulous density on the palate, fine fruit displaying great sweetness, hints of fresh-baked bread, mulberry and blackcurrant, and fully integrated tannins on the finish. A superb Pavillon Blanc coming from 50% of the Margaux crop. Two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Merlot.
critic reviews
The 2003 Pavillon Rouge has a respectable bouquet with brambly red fruit, orange rind, freshly-rolled tobacco and peppermint. This is actually fresher than some Grand Vins tasted. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins on the entry, raspberry, strawberry and a touch of white pepper. It has a slightly savory finish. Smooth and very drinkable. À point. Tasted at the château.
Also a stunning wine, the 2003 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is a sleeper of the vintage. Much fresher and less evolved than I would expect a second wine to be from this vintage, it is a Margaux-like effort with a flowery character, good precision and freshness, red and black currant notes, and an attractive, medium-bodied, surprisingly concentrated mouthfeel. It is clearly one of the finest second wines made in this vintage. It can be consumed over the next 5-8 years.