Pavillon blanc - Bordeaux 2017

Wine Advocate

96

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/17/2020

Chateau Margaux has a spraying system to combat frost at this vineyard. Still, yields were down to 22 hectoliters per hectare due to some crop losses. As always, the 2017 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It opens slowly to reveal scents of fresh pineapple, lime blossoms, orange peel and lemon curd with hints of yuzu zest, wet pebbles, struck flint and kumquat. Medium-bodied, the palate absolutely sings of vibrant citrus fruits and mineral accents, sporting a very lively line of freshness, finishing with great length and whispering of tons of aging potential. Stellar Pavillon Blanc! Readers should note that after 15 years of experimenting with Diam, this is the first year this wine will be bottled under this closure. To further aid aging with consistency, this is also the first year that the wine is in a dark green bottle as opposed to the former clear glass. Drinking Window : 2022 - 2032

Vinous

96

byAntonio Gallonithe3/11/2020

Picked in late August, the 2017 Pavillon Blanc offers an enticing mélange of bright Sauvignon Blanc notes and textural depth, all with the energy that is such a signature of the Blanc. Citrus, orchard fruit, white flowers and crushed rocks are all laced together, but it is the wine's superb balance that stands out most.

Wine Spectator

95

byJames Molesworththe2/7/2020

Very lively, featuring a juicy, mouthfilling mix of peach, nectarine and tangerine notes, laced with a singed orange peel thread. Exotic yet pure flavors are married to electric energy. Best from 2021 through 2029. 833 cases made. — JM

Jamessuckling.com

98

byJames Sucklingthe1/13/2020

So energetic and wicked, in a good way, with a subtle start to the palate. Then it takes off on the finish. Sliced dried-apple, green-pear and crushed-stone notes. So minerally and levitated at the finish. Great finish. Explosive. Drink now and enjoy the freshness and youth, or age as long as you like.

Le Point

15

byJacques Dupontthe6/20/2018

Fruits blancs, floral, tonique, dynamique, bien vif, séveux, tendu.

Jeb DUNNUCK

93-95

byJeb Dunnuckthe6/12/2018

The 2017 whites are in the same league as the 2015 yet are drastically different in style, showing more freshness and minerality, while still being nicely concentrated. The 2017 Pavillon Blanc is a juicy, racy effort and offers a medium-bodied, vibrant, tight, salty style to go with classic notes of lemon, citrus, mint, and ample minerality. Drink it over the coming 15-20 years.

Vinifera

94

byJacques Perrinthe5/28/2018

On est sur un vin d’une tenue et d’une rectitude d’expression remarquable. Longiligne et dynamique, il évolue en bouche sur une forme ascendante avec une finale précise et longue.

Vinous

94-97

byAntonio Gallonithe5/15/2018

The 2017 Pavillon Blanc is simply magnificent. Gracious and translucent in the glass, the 2017 is a terrific example of the vintage at its best. The flavors are bright and wonderfully sculpted, with plenty of citrus peel, orchard fruit and crushed rock nuances that develop as the wine builds into its creamy, resonant finish. Pavillon Blanc is the highlight this year at Margaux.

Vinous

91-93

byNeal Martinthe5/1/2018

The 2017 Pavillon Blanc de Margaux was picked 28 to 31 August and cropped at 22hl/ha despite the frost, which is about average for the last four years according to winemaker Paul Boscule. The bouquet is clean and pure with orange blossom and red apple, dried pineapple aromas that are very seductive. The palate is well balanced with a tang of orange rind and quince on the entry, just the right amount of bitterness to keep this Pavillon Blanc on edge, nicely focused with a hint of lemongrass towards the finish. Excellent.

Wine Advocate

93-95

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/27/2018

Margaux has a spraying system to combat frost at the Pavillon Blanc vineyard, but they lost a bit of production, with yields finishing at 22 hectoliters per hectare. The nose of the 2017 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux is a little reticent to begin, giving way to beautiful white peach, grapefruit and lemongrass notes plus hints of mandarin peel, honeysuckle, baking bread and just a waft of ginger. The medium to full-bodied palate is very crisp and super intense, laden with citrus and stone fruit layers, coupled with a lovely satiny texture and plenty of weight without feeling heavy, finishing with incredible length and a lingering mineral note.

Decanter.com

99

byJane Ansonthe4/25/2018

This is a wonderful Pavillon Blanc with great aromatics and powerful flavours that highlight how those cool summer nights have given real zip and freshness without losing intensity. Intense and concentrated flavours of quince, fleshy tropical fruits, nectarines and white peaches are combined with a mouthwatering tension that holds your interest and delivers a stunningly slatey, mineral finish. Margaux didn't lose anything to frost, so had a 22hl/ha yield after careful selection (a normal amount for the estate). It was an early harvest, from 28 August to 5 September. 20% new oak.

WeinWisser

19

byRené Gabrielthe4/25/2018

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,5

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/17/2018

Wine Enthusiast

92-94

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2018

With delicious crispness, this wine is tense and nervy, with a strong mineral texture. It is already well balanced, with citrus fruits that are hit with spice as well as a hint of wood. Drink from 2020.

Jamessuckling.com

97-98

byJames Sucklingthe4/6/2018

This is very powerful with a super aftertaste of chalk, limestone, and crush sea shells. Full body, layered with phenolic texture that resembles a sleek red. Yet it’s fresh vivid all the time like the excellent white it is. The white pepper character combined with dried citrus is fabulous.