Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux, 2022
Aurélien explained that although a very hot vintage, they were surprised by a pH of 3.6, a figure they would associate with a cool growing season. Made from a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot and representing 32% of the crop, the Pavillon Rouge 2022 opens with a glorious bouquet of flowers and vivid fruits. Dense and compact on the palate, vibrant and alive, texturally this is so silky with long, refined tannins displaying suggestions of graphite and cassis on the finish. A beautiful Pavillon Rouge, which carries the family crest. Alas, yields are just 25 hl/ha.
critic reviews
The 2022 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux showed a little reduction at first, though there is clearly very concentrated fruit here: blackberry and blueberry, violet and light iris flower scents that emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth, silky tannins. Commendable tension, very refined, very pure in terms of fruit with a sleek, very cohesive finish. Discreet in conveying its sense of class, this is a delightful 2022 Margaux and it matches many Grand Vins. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
This is 32% of the crop here, and dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon at 64% of the blend. with 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. No change in the élevage here, Philippe Bascaules having initially considered a later bottling but found after the last fining the wine was ready for the bottle. He thinks this represents the ripeness of the tannins. The élevage was in 50% to 60% new oak. This has a super confident nose for Pavillon Rouge, rich in blackcurrant fruit, raspberry, concentrated, even a little blueberry showing here, with touches of soot and tar. Despite this the palate feels polished, silky, soft and charming, with a forward presence of dark and modestly plush fruit, with a light and ripe tannic backbone, which sits comfortably enshrouded by the fruit, another sign of the ripeness of the tannins, ending with a peppery length. It has real panache, with a sense of mineral freshness. Such fine maturity – a great Pavillon Rouge here – so fine and ripe you could drink this very soon. But you shouldn’t of course, because with cellar time this will be great. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%.
Fragrant and finessed aromatics on this Pavillon Rouge, that cut through the well-embedded tannins and powerful spice. This has closed down since En Primeur, with a muscular frame and dark fruits, suggesting it has a long way to run. 60% new oak, 25hl/h yield, director Philippe Bascaules.
The 2022 Pavillon Rouge is deep and perfumed, wafting from the glass with notions of cherries, raspberry preserve, lilac, violets and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated palate that's deep, rich and vibrant, with a tannic grain that resembles the grand vin this year. It represents just under a third of the estate's production.