Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux, 2023
Aurélien explained that 2023 was the first year of organic conversion at Chateaux Margaux. After an excellent flowering there was a big mildew pressure, but in the end mildew wasn't the biggest problem as they can now treat the entire estate in just five hours. More challenging were the heatwaves at the end of August and the beginning of September which caused a bit of sunburn, accounting for 10% of the crop. The resulting wines have the "ripeness and texture of a warm vintage with the freshness and purity of a cool year.”
critic reviews
The 2023 Pavillon Rouge, which incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since 2016, opens in the glass with notes of sweet cherries and raspberries mingled with rose, violet and cigar wrapper. Medium-bodied, supple and lively, it's framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chalky finish.
The 2023 Pavillon Rouge has a pure and sensual bouquet with layers of red berry fruit, blackcurrant pastilles and hints of blood orange in the background. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins that caress. Fine weight, building nicely toward a fulsome, rounded finish that suggests it will drink after just 2 or 3 years. Very fine.
The 2023 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux accounts for 30% of this year's production. Deep garnet-purple in color, it pops from the glass with vibrant notes of red and black currants followed by hints of rosebud tea, crushed rocks, dried Provence herbs, and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate delivers an impressive mid-palate of ripe, juicy red and black berry flavors with soft fine-grained tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with a spicy lift. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, with pH 3.60.
An aromatic punch of white and red roses, feels very much in the DNA of the estate, with perfume, richly nuanced cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, cigar box. Fine tannins, with energy and clear - and this is a 2nd wine that elevates the possibilities of the 2023 vintage. September 11 through to October 5 for harvest, 30% of the production in Pavillon.