Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux, 2025
Aurelien explained the team at Margaux was concerned by the potential alcohols at the end of August, a month out from the predicted harvest. Thankfully there was a heavy shower, which lowered the potential alcohol levels and revived the vines. Philippe Bascaules has experience working in California and is used to small, well-aerated berries. Other chateaux harvested early fearing botrytis; Philippe knew there was no such risk, waiting for perfect phenolic maturity in the grapes. Alas, yields are miniscule, just 22 hl/ha, the smallest vintage of Chateau Margaux since 1856. The Pavillon Rouge represents just 28% of the crop and is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot (from a unique clone that has now reached maturity and adds real interest to the blend) and 4% Cabernet Franc. A gorgeous bouquet of roses and cherry blossom awaits. The palate is also wonderfully aromatic and expressive, filling the mouth with velvety, vibrant raspberry, accented with violets, lilac and subtle spices, supported by crisp, detailed tannins. This is a superb Pavillon Rouge with real grand vin dimension.
critic reviews
The 2025 Pavillon Rouge represents 28% of the volume this year, a little lower than previous years, containing just a little more Petit Verdot (10%), matured as usual in around 60% new oak, though my sample was taken from a new barrel. It has a bright nose, black cherries and blueberry fruit, crushed violet developing in the glass, a hint of black olive. The palate is medium-bodied, with a pleasing rondeur on the entry, a “pillowy” Pavillon Rouge at this stage, a pleasing countervailing bitterness that balances the opulence that comes through on the slightly briny finish. Less jagged than its peers, this will be quite tempting in its youth, yet it certainly has the substance to last.
Flavoursome, this is luscious and juicy, with the concentration and ripeness that I was expecting in more of the wines this year. Rose petals, damson, slate, crayon, cocoa bean, mint, DNA of the Margaux appellation on display. Just 2018 and 2022 were higher numbers in terms of phenolic compounds, and the 3.68ph is still low, but the perception is far less intense than in many properties. 22hl/ha yield across the vineyard, harvest September 8 for young Merlot, then Cabernet Sauvignon began September 19 and finished September 29. IPT 78. 28% of the overall production.
The 2025 Pavillon Rouge is a serious, youthfully structured second wine, unwinding in the glass with notes of dark berry fruit mingled with notes of anise, licorice and petals. Medium- to full-bodied, supple and lively, with a deep, tightly wound core of primary fruit and a long, vibrant finish, it will reward a bit of patience. This year, Pavillon Rouge represents 28% of the harvest, and it's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc.