Pavillon Rouge 2019

The balance and structure of a fine wine from Margaux

The estate

With origins dating back to the 12th century, Chateau Margaux is a legendary estate and one of the most prestigious Classified Growths of Bordeaux. In 1855, the chateau was awarded the title of First Classified Growth and was one of only four estates to obtain a rating of twenty out of twenty. With the acquisition of the property by André Mentzelopoulos in 1977, Chateau Margaux is today writing a new page in its history. Having elevated the Grand Vin of Chateau Margaux to the highest level of quality, Mentzelopoulos also reintroduced the chateau’s Second Wine, the Pavillon Rouge of Chateau Margaux, first produced in 1908. Following in the footsteps of her late father, Corinne Mentzelopoulos took over the family estate and, with her energy and passion, elevated the Chateau Margaux estate to that of a masterpiece, recognized by wine lovers around the world by its neo-Palladian allure. Vintage after vintage, the estate's wines are among the greatest in the world.

The vineyard

The Chateau Margaux vineyard owes its unique character to its rare terroir, situated upon an outcropping of gravel. The vineyard of the property gives pride of place to the area's flagship red grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, which is complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The clay-limestone soils of the estate produce legendary wines with a distinguished and sensual allure, so representative of the Margaux appellation.

The vintage

2019 will be remembered as the hottest year ever recorded in France. After a mild winter and a warm spring, marked by significant precipitation, the summer of 2019 brought scorching temperatures. At Chateau Margaux, the harvest began on September 18 and ended on October 10. The precipation from September 22 to 29 helped slow down the ripening of the grapes, which maintained a very good level of acidity and average alcohol levels.

The blend

Cabernet sauvignon (76%), merlot (19%), petit verdot (3%).

The tasting

For this 2019 vintage, only 27% of the harvest made up the blend for the Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge 2019. The Pavillon rouge 2019 by Chateau Margaux is produced with the same level of care as the property's First Wine. The Pavillon Rouge 2019 and the property's Grand Vin are very similar in style. A superb definition of its vintage and this extraordinary Margaux terroir, the Pavillon Rouge 2019 of Chateau Margaux offers a smooth and round tannic structure on the palate, while retaining a remarkable balance. A truly extraordinary Second Wine.