2008 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, Margaux

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! [Ian D’Agata, 05/01/2009]

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. [Neal Martin, 01/01/2012]