Château Margaux - Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux - 2010

The production of a second wine probably goes back to the beginning of the XVII century because it is inseparable from the search for excellence which started at that time.

Sold under the name of “Château Margaux 2nd wine”, it took its permanent name of Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux in 1908. After an eclipse between the thirties and the mid-seventies, its production restarted on the arrival of André Mentzelopoulos in 1977 and at first greatly increased in order to improve the quality of the first wine. From the mid – 1990s, the creation of a third wine in its turn, allowed for a more and more rigorous selection for Pavillon Rouge. For a few years now, a third of the harvest has gone into the first wine, barely 30% into the Pavillon Rouge, and the remainder is divided between the third and fourth wines.

The quality of Pavillon Rouge has become very close to that of the first wine because all the plots involved contributed to the blending of Château Margaux not so long ago. Of course there isn’t the same complexity, the same depth, the same “magic” but the flavours are close and the balance in the mouth leads to the same subtle senses of power and softness. In general it is ready to drink a little earlier whilst retaining an excellent potential to age largely beyond 30 or 40 years.

A great bottle that is drinking beautiful. Make sure to decant for a few hours. 

In 2010 is the first time that the Pavillon Rouge, which made up 38% of the crop, accounts for the same proportion as the first wine. This selection reflects the even higher standards we have set for Pavillon Rouge. It is indeed no longer a second wine but rather a different blend of the first one, with truly comparable tannic power.
66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot: while these are practically the same proportions as in 2009, the quality is quite possibly superior. Never before has Pavillon Rouge come so close to Château Margaux. Ideally, this should be aged for few more years before enjoying (October 2018)

" This the greatest Pavillon Rouge ever made. Aromas of flowers, smoke, currants and raspberries follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a long, long finish. This is balanced and refined with wonderful depth. Hard to believe it's a second wine. Better after 2018." - 96 points, James Suckling

"Dense and structured, this second wine from Château Margaux is magnificent. There are hints of bitter chocolate, along with tarry fruit. It is very textured, just hinting at extraction. The tannins are rounded and velvet-like in character. It's a wine for medium-term aging." - 94 points, Wine Enthusiast

"Now 11 years old, and bursting with layers. It's finessed and vibrant, packed with raspberry and black cherry fruits. Maintains its juiciness and well balanced structure from start to finish, showing still-muscular tannins but riven through with hints of tobacco, iris and rose. This is usually the window that you would expect to begin drinking a first wine, but here we are with Pavillon Rouge and it is just now softening and opening up - a great example of how not only the 2010 vintage but the terroir of the Château Margaux vineyard slows everything down. At this point, they were making both a third and a fourth selection, and for the first time that the Pavillon Rouge made up the same amount as the main wine at 38% of the crop. Can drink now or go longer. 60% new oak, harvest September 23 to October 15. Drinking Window 2021 - 2036." - 94 points, Decanter

Producer: Château Margaux

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Margaux

Vintage: 2010

Size: 750ml