Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 17
Selection much stricter from this vintage (see Chinese inflation). The third wine was produced from 2009. Mid crimson. Slightly pale rim. Dusty but ripe notes on the nose with some evolution and complexity. Very firm gunmetal thread through it. Grown-up wine with ripe tannins. Real life and lift to this. A worthy second wine of a first growth. Zesty.
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028
Robert Parker 91
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Pavillon Rouge appears to be on an upward trajectory in bottle. Here it has a very delicate, well-defined bouquet with black cherries, mulberry, minerals and blueberry. This is so delicate and pretty. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, tensile and poised, tightly coiled towards the finish but a lot of energy in this Margaux. This evinces succinct winemaking allowing the terroir to shine through. Tasted January 2012.
Vinous 87-90
(68% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc; 47% of the estate’s total production) Medium-full red. Enticing strawberry and pomegranate aromas of modest complexity. Then supple and fresh on the palate, with pleasant, pure red fruit flavors and a somewhat compact mouth feel. The extremely fine tannins are a thing of beauty: though this very smooth wine finishes slightly short, you’ll have no trouble draining a bottle far too quickly!
