Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux 2016 (750ML)

95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent: "With 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 3 % Petit Verdot, the 2016 Pavillon Rouge from Chateau Margaux is deep garnet in color, with a touch of purple. It needs a fair bit of swirling to reveal notes of crushed black plums, black cherry preserves, and wild blueberries, followed by hints of unsmoked cigars, sandalwood, and dusty soil, with a waft of roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is so elegant, perfumed and energetic, featuring finely pixilated tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced." 12/22

95 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "The second wine of Château Margaux is the 2016 Pavillon Rouge, a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot brought up in 60% new barrels. It too is incredibly classic, elegant, and finesse-driven, with textbook Margaux aromatics of cassis, ripe cherries, and spring flower, medium body, subtle background oak, and lively acidity. It has real class and is capable of 2-3 decades of longevity." 02/19

93+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux (composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot) bursts forth with exuberant Morello cherries, black raspberries and cassis scents accented by touches of menthol, dark chocolate and garrigue plus a waft of tree bark. The palate is medium-bodied, very elegant, vivacious and fresh with satiny tannins and a nice long finish." 11/18

93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "The second wine of Château Margaux is the 2016 Pavillon Rouge, a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot brought up in 60% new barrels. It too is incredibly classic, elegant, and finesse-driven, with textbook Margaux aromatics of cassis, ripe cherries, and spring flower, medium body, subtle background oak, and lively acidity. It has real class and is capable of 2-3 decades of longevity." 02/19

93 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Very refined and focused, with fine-grained sandalwood and alder accents lining a core of stylish, gently mulled cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. A perfumed lilac note weaves around the fruit on the elegant finish. Approachable now, but buried minerality lurks, and this is sneaky long, so cellaring is easily doable. Best from 2022 through 2035. 8,333 cases made." 03/19

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2016 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux, bottled at the end of June, has a clean, precise bouquet of blackberry, bilberry, notes of violet and a hint of orange pith. It gains intensity in the glass with every swirl. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin and a fine bead of acidity, and it feels linear and compact the moment. Quite saline in the mouth, with a touch of brine toward a finish that is almost broody in style. Very fine, though it might need four to five years to reach its drinking window." 12/18

92 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "(Château Margaux, Pavillon Rouge, Margaux, Bordeaux, France, Red) This has softened and deepened over the 18 months of ageing yet still has a touch of austerity and will take a few years to settle down. It's not as plump or generous as the 2015, but it's a beautiful wine that has balance and effortless class - a wonderfully poised Pavillon Rouge. 60% new oak has lent it some toasted almond and tarry notes. It represents just 26% of the harvest, making this the smallest ever percentage of the crop to make it into the second wine. (Drink between 2024-2038" 10/18

92 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "Margaux's 2016 Pavillon Rouge is a gorgeous, precise wine that will offer plenty of drinking pleasure right out of the gate. Bright red cherry fruit, sweet tobacco and dried herbs are all laced together in this finely-knit, inviting wine. Hints of blood orange and mint add an attractive upper register. In 2016, Pavillon Rouge stands out for its persistence and impeccable balance." 12/18