Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 2004

Margaux's second wine, the 2004 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, may turn out to be outstanding. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by fleshy notes of black currants, cherries, smoke, earth, and spring flowers. Lovely, ripe, and opulent, it is best consumed during its first 10-15 years of life.

A balanced and fruity wine with good blackberry and currant character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Grows on the palate. Medium finish. Pretty

Mid crimson with quite a pale rim. Slightly marked volatile acidity. Light, fresh very dry. Fragrant. A little skinny on the mid palate. Classy but very mild and low key. Pretty dry tannins. Other good vintages for Pavillon Rouge according to Pontallier: 2003, wait for 2002 because there is still some austerity. 2001 is good. Definitely wait for 2000. 1999 is wonderful now and the series 1998 back to 1995. The quality of Pavillon Rouge started to pick up from 1995 when we started to have a third wine. I had 1987 Pavillon recently - it was evolved but pleasant. Drink 2011-2017. Date tasted 11th April 08.

An impressive effort, the opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Pavillon Rouge exhibits aromas of flowers, black currants, cherries, smoke, and earth. With good freshness, medium body, abundant fruit, and sweet tannin, it should drink well for 12-15 years.