Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux 2018 (750ML)

91-93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux has a lovely open and expressive spicy nose of cinnamon and cloves with a core of red currant jelly, kirsch and crushed blackberries plus touches of tobacco and new leather. The palate is medium-bodied with great mid-palate intensity and plenty of red and black fruit layers, finishing on an uplifting perfumed note." 4/2018

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux was one of the final wines that I tasted during my lengthy round of tastings. Impressive from barrel, the bouquet is now resplendent, offering those almost boisterous red fruits, pomegranate and cranberry, with the violet element just toned down a little. The palate is still quite high-toned, the tannins showing more grip and sturdiness than before. Taut and linear, and there is plenty of freshness here, leading to a vibrant finish. Excellent." 03/21

95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Blackberry, plum, light earth and undergrowth on the nose. Citrus, too. It’s full-bodied with rich, chewy tannins that turn energetic, fine and tight on the finish. Lively acidity. Second wine of Margaux. A blend of 69% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 9% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Try after 2024." 01/21

93 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "A singed alder note frames a core of gently steeped plum and black currant flavors while smoldering tobacco, bay and warm earth hints fill in through the finish. Caressing in feel and seductive through the sneaky long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2034. 8,333 cases made." 03/21

93 Points, Wine Enthusiast: "This wine is crisp, full of black currants and with attractive acidity as well as a firm texture. It is cool and classic, with a light touch of wood and tannin. It's likely to be ready from 2023." 4/2018

92 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "This has great concentration, with carefully balanced black fruits that are fleshy and inviting but unfussy. The berry size was a little bigger than last year after the September rains (70mm in 20 days) so there is a feeling of juice and mouthwatering seduction once you give it some time to work through the initial austerity. There's no dilution through the mid-palate, and it's one of the few second wines that really gets your attention in 2017. They lost 10% of the crop to frost, giving a yield of 35hl/ha, with no secondary fruits used in Pavillon or Margaux (not even the first generation buds from any affected plots). 22% of total production is the lowest ever for Pavillon, and combined with the low yield means there will be 40% fewer bottles. The vineyards were entirely organically farmed in 2017, although there are still no plans to go for certification. Harvested 18-26 September. 3.7pH. IPT 73 - as high as last year. 4% Cabernet Franc also in the blend. Will be 60% new oak." 4/2018

95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "This cuvée has been in the running for the best second wine in the vintage for a number of years now, and I think it just might be there in 2018. The 2018 Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge checks in as 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, and it's no lightweight effort, revealing a dense purple color as well as gorgeous crème de cassis, black cherry, crushed violets, sandalwood, smoke tobacco, and incense. It's loaded with Château Margaux character, has medium to full-bodied richness, ample structure, and a great finish. I followed this bottle for multiple days and it only improved with air. Don't underestimate this second wine – it's incredibly impressive. Hide bottles for 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades." 03/21