Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux, 2016
We thought the 2015 Pavillon Rouge was the best we had ever tasted - the 2016 may be just as good. Representing just 28% of the production and produced from 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, one can't help but be impressed. This is so very Margaux, fragrant, elegant, feminine, yet with an underlying power and authority that suggests a very long life ahead. Initially alluring and floral, with touches of noble wood and spice, the fruit is so precise, detailed and vibrant, full of lift and energy. Succulent and red fruited and wrapped in beautiful fine boned tannins - this is absolutely splendid!
critic reviews
The 2016 Pavillon Rouge is more tertiary on the nose, with blackberry and tobacco, veering more towards Pauillac in style with its enticing marine element. The palate is medium-bodied, with sappy black fruit, fresh and quite peppery. There is a bit of muscle on the finish, and personally I would afford it more time in bottle to shave its edges. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Silky sweet tannins, creamy and delicious and so classy, this delivers lilting iris floral aromatics, with grip and lift. Impressive, last vintage with Paul Pontallier, who died in the spring of 2016.
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux (composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot) bursts forth with exuberant Morello cherries, black raspberries and cassis scents accented by touches of menthol, dark chocolate and garrigue plus a waft of tree bark. The palate is medium-bodied, very elegant, vivacious and fresh with satiny tannins and a nice long finish.