Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2019: best 2027 to 2044.
vintage8 yrs25 yrs27 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2022201995/100
Decanter reviewed 2022201994/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: raspberries, plum, rose petals, sweet spice, cedar

Palate: cassis, refined tannins, racy acidity, elegantly concentrated, penetrating finish

Second wine of Chateau Margaux (1855 Premier Cru Classe), sharing the same subtle power and floral finesse as the grand vin while offering earlier accessibility.

What it pairs with

  • Magret de canard with cherry compote
    Duck breast's richness and the sweet cherry reduction echo the wine's rose-petal florality and ripe cassis.
  • Roast lamb rack with garlic and rosemary
    The wine's Margaux-characteristic floral tannins complement herb-crusted lamb's mineral sweetness.
  • Mushroom risotto with truffle oil
    Earthy umami of mushroom and truffle find resonance in the wine's cedar-spice register.
  • Hard aged cheese (Comté, aged Gruyère)
    Crystalline nutty cheese sharpens Margaux's floral fruit and integrates the oak spice.

How to serve Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Magret de canard with cherry compote, Roast lamb rack with garlic and rosemary, Mushroom risotto with truffle oil. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

The second wine concept at Château Margaux dates to the early 17th century, but Pavillon Rouge took its permanent name in 1908 and was relaunched in its current form in 1977 when the Mentzelopoulos family revived the estate. Around 30% of the harvest is allocated to Pavillon Rouge.

  1. 1908: Name 'Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux' formally adopted
  2. 1977: Pavillon Rouge relaunched alongside the estate revival under Mentzelopoulos

Facts

Producer
Château Margaux · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (18%), Petit Verdot (6%), Cabernet Franc (4%)
Classification
Margaux AOC
Oak
New French oak barrels, 18 months
ABV
13.5%
Production
192,000 bottles
Price
€90-180 at retail
Drinking window
8-25 from vintage
First vintage
1906

Frequently asked about Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux

What does Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux taste like?

On the nose, raspberries, plum, rose petals, sweet spice, cedar. On the palate, cassis, refined tannins, racy acidity, elegantly concentrated, penetrating finish. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Exquisite second wine of the most famous first growth, sharing the same subtle power and floral finesse as the grand vin while offering earlier accessibility.

When should I drink Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux?

Drink 8-25 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux?

Magret de canard with cherry compote is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Roast lamb rack with garlic and rosemary and Mushroom risotto with truffle oil. Duck breast's richness and the sweet cherry reduction echo the wine's rose-petal florality and ripe cassis.

What grapes are in Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux?

The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (18%), Petit Verdot (6%), Cabernet Franc (4%). The wine is classified as Margaux AOC.

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