Pavillon blanc - Bordeaux 2016

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJancis Robinsonthe2/5/2020

Yvesbeck.wine

94

byYves Beckthe3/20/2019

Jaune clair aux reflets verts. Bouquet intense, expressif, complexe marqué par des notes florales et épicées. Mise en bouche friande et juteuse. Quelle belle intensité et quelle fraîcheur. La finesse, la race, le fruit et même une touche saline. Belle force de caractère. 2019-2031 94/100

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/1/2019

Always based on Sauvignon Blanc and brought up in 20% new French oak, the 2016 Pavillon Blanc shows a racy, reductive style that slowly opens up in the glass and shows more and more richness. Beautiful notes of crushed citrus, tart peach, and bright minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied, concentrated white that has high yet integrated acidity, flawless balance, and a great finish. It’s hard to resist, yet I suspect it will keep for decades.

Wine Spectator

95

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

Features bracing hints of lemon pith, chalk, thyme and fleur de sel, but leans toward the plumper side in the end, with delicious shortbread and yellow apple notes stretching out through the finish. Shows remarkable purity and serious length. Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2028. 833 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

96

byJames Sucklingthe2/4/2019

The depth and intensity is very beautiful, yet with electrifying acidity that gives this wine energy and excitement. Full to medium body with a fine, dense mid-palate that takes over at the finish. Lots of dried-lemon and fresh-fennel flavors at the end. Exuberant. Drink or hold.

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe1/24/2019

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc de Château Margaux, which was bottled in May, has a beguiling bouquet of Golden Delicious apple, Williams pear and light crushed stone aromas that gently unfold in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with a taut line of acidity (in fact, the pH is 3.10 in this vintage) – citrus-fresh with impressive tension. A live-wire Pavillon Blanc with great sustain on the rich finish and a tang of ginger on the aftertaste. Superb.

Vinous

95

byAntonio Gallonithe1/21/2019

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc is impressive today. I am especially captivated by the wine's tremendous aromatic presence and overall persistence. In the glass, the 2016 offers an enticing interplay of fruit richness and perfume, with strands of salinity that give t wine shape and energy. Citrus, orchard fruit and white flowers add the closing shades of nuance.

Wine Advocate

94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe11/30/2018

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux features fresh grapefruit, white peaches and lemon juice scents springing from the glass, followed by lime leaves, wet pebbles and elderflower plus a touch of honeysuckle. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and fresh with loads of vivacity and a long, mineral-laced finish.

Decanter.com

97

byJane Ansonthe10/25/2018

Wine Advocate

92-94

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux was picked between 8 and 13 September and represents just one-third of the production due to a strict selection, around 10,000 bottles. Matured in 20% new oak in more demi-muids than before, it has a glorious bouquet with lime flower, passion fruit and a touch of lychee all with wonderful definition. The palate is very well balanced with a smooth, slightly viscous texture. The acidity counterbalances the richness here and it is blessed with gorgeous tropical tones on the tensile finish. This is excellent.

Vinous

94-97

byAntonio Gallonithe4/26/2017

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc is one of the most refined whites of the vintage. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and slate notes are beautifully vivid and delineated throughout. Creamy, pliant and polished to the core, the 2016 is simply exceptional. For readers who can find it and afford the price tag, the 2016 Pavillon Blanc is a total knockout and a wine of true aristocratic breeding.

Jancis Robinson

17

byJancis Robinsonthe4/25/2017

Picked 8-13 September. Almost oily and creamy. Lovely precision. Racy and lively. Very pure and luxurious. The closest to Petit Cheval Blanc. Very limey and energetic. Lanolin and really refreshing. Drink 2019-2030

matthewjukes.com

19

byMatthew Jukesthe4/25/2017

(100 Sauvignon Blanc) | 13% alc. | Only 30% crop was used. Very bold, tight and unusually sour and with a bite of skin and pith, this is a wine which needs age and it will retain fantastic freshness for a long time. The acidity is heightened because of the cool nights and as everything was harvested before the September rains it is more linear and sour than ever. Amazing length and amazing individuality, this is an awesome Sauvignon Blanc. It might even make two decades. 19+

Decanter.com

96

byJane Ansonthe4/24/2017

They started harvesting the whites here on 8th September, three or four days earlier than last year and earlier than planned after checking the acidity levels - an excellent decision as this is easily one of the best white wines of Bordeaux this year. It has grip, tension and a wealth of aromatics that is surprising as it is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and it was the Semillons that resisted the heat a little better down in Pessac. With steely citrus, slate, mineral and a sappy finish, it hugs throughout the palate. All the white grapes had come in by 13th September, and the pH is a vibrant 3.2. Valerie Lavigne, long-time associate of Denis Dubourdieu, works with the team on the white wine. Yield of 23hl/ha. Drinking Window 2020 - 2035

Wine Enthusiast

94-96

byRoger Vossthe4/19/2017

Barrel Sample. While it is certainly rich, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc also has great swathes of crisp fruit. Notes of spice and toast are already finely in balance. It is beautiful and harmonious, full of tropical fruits as well as a zesty aftertaste.

Jamessuckling.com

97-98

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2017

This is really exciting with a vivid and energetic acidity and brightness. Lemon rind, pear and mineral character. Full-bodied, tight and long. A winner. Great finish.