Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 2008

The 2008 Pavillon Rouge didn't show quite as well as I had hoped, but is still an elegant, berry-scented, spicy, soft Pavillon Rouge with good depth, sweet tannins, and an attractive finish. It can be drunk now or cellared or 12-15 years.

The 2008 Pavillon Rouge de Margaux has a bright raspberry pastille and strawberry scented bouquet with just a slight copper piping aromas tucked underneath that personally I found distracting. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite edgy tannin. I admire the fruit here, tobacco-tinged blackberry and bilberry, more graphite scents surfacing towards the finish. It feels persistent in the mouth and should offer another five or six years in drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting. 2018 - 2026

Second wine. Dark crimson. Rich yet dry and vigorous on the nose. Very sweet start - round and flattering even if without massive tannins. Though they certainly lurk there under the fruit. Lots of spice. Just lacks a little follow through though there is certainly lots of pleasure here for the medium term.

The second wine, the 2008 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, represents 47% of the crop (keep in mind that 17% of the total crop was sold off in bulk), and is composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the rest mostly Petit Verdot with a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc. It is a beautiful wine exhibiting classic purity along with red and black fruits intermixed with licorice, tobacco leaf, and floral nuances. Sweet, round tannins, and a lovely forward freshness suggest this stunning second wine should drink well young, yet last for 15+ years.