Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux

91-93/100 Aromas of plums, raspberries and sweet spices introduce the 2021 Pavillon Rouge, a medium to full-bodied, velvety and vibrant wine that's impressively rich and mouthfilling, revealing a deep core of fruit framed by powdery tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, saline finish. The blend is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, and Philippe Bascaules observes that parcels planted 20 years ago and destined for the grand vin when they're a bit older are increasingly making the cut for Pavillon Rouge. Château Margaux has turned out a brilliant performance. A challenging growing season, which saw Margaux touched by spring frost and end-of-season rot, delivered a heterogenous crop, but the estate can afford both to take risks (harvesting reds between September 24 and October 13) and select rigorously. Philippe Bascaules opted to saignée his tanks to concentrate the musts, especially the Merlots, and then vinified gently. "After a saignée, you really have to ease off on extraction if you don't want to overdo it," he explained. But the concentration of the ensuing wines took him aback, exhibiting analytically similar levels of tannins to the superb 2019s. Margaux always producers fresh, vibrant wines, so pHs are similar to was was attained in other recent vintages; what's different, however, are alcohol levels, around 1% lower than 2018, 2019 or 2020. As the accompanying tasting notes attest, the grand vin itself and Pavillon Blanc both number among the wines of the vintage in red and in white. William Kelley robertparker.com 04.2022 // Score: 94-95 Points 18 May, 2022 – A nicely rounded young red with fine tannins that are polished and poised. Medium body with a solid center-palate and a creamy finish. Shows wonderful ripeness and beauty. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc. James Suckling 05.2022