Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 2022

Fragrant and finessed aromatics on this Pavillon Rouge, that cut through the well-embedded tannins and powerful spice. This has closed down since En Primeur, with a muscular frame and dark fruits, suggesting it has a long way to run. 60% new oak, 25hl/h yield, director Philippe Bascaules.

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 32% of the production. Cask sample.Deep colour. A more powerful rendition than usual. Ripe, rich and structured, the tannins present but the texture suave. Slightly powdery and dry on the finish. In need of élevage. (JL) 14.5%Drink 2030– 2042

The 2022 Pavillon Rouge is deep and perfumed, wafting from the glass with notions of cherries, raspberry preserve, lilac, violets and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated palate that's deep, rich and vibrant, with a tannic grain that resembles the grand vin this year. It represents just under a third of the estate's production.

The 2022 Pavillon Rouge, which represents 32% of the production this year, has a highly perfumed nose with wilted violets chaperoning the copious black fruit. Wonderful definition. The palate is medium-bodied with fine boned tannins. Silky smooth and sensual, with a mineral-driven finish, this sashays along in style. One of the few 2022's whose barrel sample is so seductive I could have eloped with it there and then. 14.8% alcohol. 2026-2048

Rich and dense with lots of fruit and juiciness. Redcurrants, black berries, strawberries and orange peel on the nose. Full and layered with fine, velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Big presence.

Glass-staining inky purple, fleshy damson and cassis fruits with spice and concentration. Captures the spirit of the vintage with plush damson fruits, edges of sweet spices and gunsmoke, but keeps the understated pleasure that Margaux specialises in, with soft peony aromatics. High Petit Verdot in this blend because using the 2% that normally goes into the first wine but is kept out in 2022. No pumping over, with director Philippe Bascaules making the choice to let extraction happen gently, with minimal intervention. 32% of the crop in Pavillon, 25hl/h yield. 60% new oak (although this sample is 100%), and clear need to be cautious with oak during ageing.