2016 Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge

97 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

It's unusual to have this intensity, freshness and integration of tannins at such a young age, but that is the beauty of 2016 in the best cases. This has an elegant structure with a touch of austerity through the mid-palate, alongside cool crushed tobacco, black fruits, juicy minerality and some salinity on the finish, all held in by silky tannins. There is not the big body and intensity of the majestic 2015 Margaux, which was easily one of the wines of the vintage, but the aromatics are more expressive in 2016 and there is a subtle complexity that builds over the palate. The blend here is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon (one of the highest ever), 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, with yields fairly high at 52hl/ha for the grand vin. It represents 28% of the overall production, compared to 35% last year. The grand vin has this wonderful essence of Margaux feel, and will reward patience - no doubt it will take on some extra weight over time and deepen into a stunning wine, among the great classics of this property. A fresh 3.6pH alongside a tannin count of 73IPT. Philippe Bascaules returned from Napa just before the primeurs; his first full vintage will be the 2017. Drinking Window 2027 - 2050

95 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

Barrel Sample. While this wine has high acidity, it also has intense tannins and concentrated black-cherry fruits. It is poised between a firm, concentrated structure and sophisticated fruitiness, suggesting the wine will age well over many years.

95 POINTS

James Suckling

The blackcurrant and floral aromas with brick and hot stones are tantalizing. Flowers underneath it all. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins with beautiful ripeness that highlights the palate. Second wine of Château Margaux. Try after 2024.

95 POINTS

Bettane & Desseauve - Bettane & Desseauve

Précis, mais encore difficile à juger car son fruit reste discret et l’échantillon était un peu trop chaud pour bien le mettre en valeur. Nos dégustateurs ont été plus impressionnés cette année par Alter Ego.

94 POINTS

Yves Beck - Yvesbeck.wine

Pourpre violacé. Nez intense, frais, bien typé de Cabernet Sauvignon avec d'agréables notes fruitées et rafraîchissantes. Mise en bouche racée, fraiche, dense. Au palais, le vin a une incroyable intensité aromatique, de la puissance et une structure vive qui confère du jus, un caractère salivant et du temps ! Caractère encore quelque peu anguleux mais terriblement compact et prêt à aller de l'avant. Un Pavillon Rouge de caractère avec de très belles prédispositions pour aller dans le temps. 2023-2036 94/100

94 POINTS

Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider

Ruby red in color, this is what Japan must smell like when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Followed by an array of sweet plum and earthy notes, this medium-bodied wine is elegant and sophisticated with sweet, fresh red berries in the finish. Balance, finesse, refinement is its mantra. The wine was produced from a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, reaching 13% Alcohol with pH of 3.6. Of the harvest, 26% was used for Pavillon Rouge du Margaux. 

93 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - 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.

93 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck

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.