Le Point 15,5 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe6/20/2018 Fruits rouges, framboise, poivre, bien expressif, souple, de la fraîcheur, tanins veloutés, cœur de bouche tonique, floral, violette, élégant, serré, en longueur, charmeur.
Jeb DUNNUCK 92-94 / 100 byJeb Dunnuckthe6/12/2018 A wine that might be the best second wine in the vintage, the 2017 Pavillon Rouge offers a beautiful, classic Margaux perfume of cherries, cassis, flowers, and spice box. Possessing medium to full-bodied richness, again, an incredible floral character, ripe tannin, and incredible elegance, enjoy it anytime over the coming two decades.
Vinous 89-92 / 100 byAntonio Gallonithe5/15/2018 The 2017 Pavillon Rouge is a very pretty wine. Fresh, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2017 is all class. There is a purity to the flavors here that is simply remarkable. Estate Manager Sebastian Vergne told me the winemaking team opted to raise temperatures at the end of fermentation to gain a bit more color, depth and polymerization of tannins. Pavillon Rouge represents 22% of the estate's production.
The Wine Cellar Insider 92-94 / 100 byJeff Levethe5/11/2018 This medium-bodied wine, quite floral in nature, generates the perfect forum for the gently smoked, red fruits and pure cherry found on the nose and in the palate. The wine was made from blending 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
Vinous 88-90 / 100 byNeal Martinthe5/1/2018 The 2017 Pavillon Rouge de Margaux, which is matured in 50% new oak, has a lovely, melted tar-tinged bouquet with plenty of black fruit. I like the definition and focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly gritty, rigid tannin on the entry that lend this Pavillon Rouge quite a firm backbone. It does not convey the elegance of the 2016 but there is plenty of spice and vigour on the finish.
Wine Advocate 91-93 / 100 byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/27/2018 Blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux has a lovely open and expressive spicy nose of cinnamon and cloves with a core of red currant jelly, kirsch and crushed blackberries plus touches of tobacco and new leather. The palate is medium-bodied with great mid-palate intensity and plenty of red and black fruit layers, finishing on an uplifting perfumed note.
Decanter.com 92 / 100 byJane Ansonthe4/25/2018 This has great concentration, with carefully balanced black fruits that are fleshy and inviting but unfussy. The berry size was a little bigger than last year after the September rains (70mm in 20 days) so there is a feeling of juice and mouthwatering seduction once you give it some time to work through the initial austerity. There's no dilution through the mid-palate, and it's one of the few second wines that really gets your attention in 2017. They lost 10% of the crop to frost, giving a yield of 35hl/ha, with no secondary fruits used in Pavillon or Margaux (not even the first generation buds from any affected plots). 22% of total production is the lowest ever for Pavillon, and combined with the low yield means there will be 40% fewer bottles. The vineyards were entirely organically farmed in 2017, although there are still no plans to go for certification. Harvested 18-26 September. 3.7pH. IPT 73 - as high as last year. 4% Cabernet Franc also in the blend. Will be 60% new oak.Drinking Window 2024 - 2038
WeinWisser 17 / 20 byRené Gabrielthe4/25/2018 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Ver-dot. 35h1/ha. Granat mit rubinrotem Rand. Komplexes, feingliedriges Bouquet mit rotbeerigen Konturen. Dahinter zarter Veilchenduft. Am mittleren Gaumen mit stützendern Tannin, saftiger Frucht und zarter Adstringenz. lm Finale animiert er mit Preiselbeersaft und Himbeeren Zurück zur Klassik. 17/20 2025 - 2040
Wine Enthusiast 92-94 / 100 byRoger Vossthe4/17/2018 This wine is crisp, full of black currants and with attractive acidity as well as a firm texture. It is cool and classic, with a light touch of wood and tannin. It's likely to be ready from 2023.
Jamessuckling.com 94-95 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/6/2018 There is very pretty purity of fruit to this with lots of currant, strawberry and plum character. Lots of chocolate and hazelnut too. Full body, velvety tannins and a chewy finish. Excellent for the vintage. About half the normal production. This is the same level of quality as 2016.