2018 Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge

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Description

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The Pavillon Rouge 2018 consists of 30% of the harvest. The blend is still dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (69%). The Merlot share decreased slightly (19%) compared to other vintages. This is offset by a notable increase in Petit Verdot (9%), which has particularly fine-grained tannins and a less pronounced aroma than in some vintages. Cabernet Franc completes the blend (3%). Like Château Margaux, but to a lesser extent, Pavillon Rouge 2018 is powerful, silky and long, and delicately tannic. Although it has the highest level of tannins of any Pavillon Rouge, there is not the slightest hint of astringency at any point in the tasting.

The hottest year since the beginning of the 20th century; temperatures in 2018 were 3.24°F above the national average. In Margaux the year started with a relatively mild winter with subnormal temperatures and occasional frosts in February, which did not affect our vines. The rest of the year was hot, sometimes very hot, compared to seasonal averages, marked by record temperatures in the last ten days of June and the first ten days of August, well over 7.2 °F above the 30-year average. Rainfall in the first half of the year was heavy, with almost 60 centimeters in Margaux between January 1 and July 10, making growing conditions challenging. Every rainy day made a good vintage less likely. But dry and warm summer conditions eventually reached our region and persisted until the end of the harvest. Rainfall was very low between mid-July and the end of September, at 5 centimeters. This rain pattern is reminiscent of 2009.

Under these conditions, the bud break occurred relatively late between April 4 and 10. The vines flowered between May 25 and 28 and despite the rather poor conditions, even on the relatively sensitive Merlot plots, we did not notice any poor or failed fruit set. The biggest challenge was mildew, which this year led to slightly lower yields than hoped after fruit set. The red harvest took place from September 17 to October 13 under ideal conditions. Once again this year we were able to choose the best time to harvest our grapes – no Botrytis symptoms, mild weather, ripening conditions sufficiently spread between the earliest Merlots and the latest Cabernets – and we had the time to take the necessary care in each winemaking process. barrel. This year, nearly a hundred different batches were turned into wine, demonstrating our continued efforts for better and more accurate selections.

Specifications

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Type of Wine Red
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Appellation Margaux
Icons Icon France
Winery Chateau Margaux
Grape Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2018
Drinking as of 2025
Drinking till 2048
Alcohol % 14
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 93
James Suckling rating 96
Vinous rating 94
Tasting Profiles Complex, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Mineraal, Tannines
Drink moments Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard

Professional Reviews

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Parker

93

James Suckling

96

Vinous

94

Wijnhuis

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Château Margaux is one of those names in the wine world that instantly sparks the imagination. A stately château, centuries of history, and wines that rank among the very best of Bordeaux.

History of Château Margaux

The roots of Château Margaux go back to the Middle Ages, when the estate was still known as Lamothe. In the 16th century, the Lestonnac family began transforming the land into a vineyard with serious ambition. Over the centuries, ownership changed hands many times, but the reputation steadily grew. In the early 19th century, the Marquis de la Colonilla built the current château, a refined neo-Palladian building that still dominates the skyline of Margaux today.

In 1855, Château Margaux was classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé, the highest ranking in the famous Bordeaux classification. Yet the estate also faced harder times. In the 1970s its reputation began to fade, until Greek businessman André Mentzelopoulos revived it. Since then, Château Margaux has remained tied to his family and is now run by his daughter Corinne and her children.

Location and terroir of Château Margaux

The estate lies in the Médoc, on the left bank of the Gironde, within the Margaux AOC. This appellation is known for elegant and refined red wines. The soil at Château Margaux is distinctive: deep layers of gravel with touches of clay and limestone. The gravel provides excellent drainage, forcing the vines to root deeply. This results in grapes with great concentration and tension, the foundation of the estate’s renowned wines.

Grape varieties of Château Margaux

As is typical in the Médoc, Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead. Around three-quarters of the vineyards are planted with it. Merlot makes up about twenty percent, with smaller plots of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. This blend gives the wines both power and finesse. For whites there’s a rare exception: Pavillon Blanc, made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc, grown on a smaller plot next to the red vineyards.

Château Margaux wine styles

The most famous wine is of course the Grand Vin de Château Margaux. Then there is Pavillon Rouge, the second wine often made from younger vines or parcels that don’t make it into the first selection. More recently, a third label has been added: Margaux du Château Margaux. For white wine lovers there is Pavillon Blanc, praised for its freshness and long ageing potential.

Winemaking combines tradition and modern technique. The red wines age for about one and a half to two years in new French oak, giving them depth and complexity. The white wine is aged for a shorter time, preserving its lively character. A special detail: Château Margaux even has its own cooperage, giving them full control over the quality of their barrels.

Interesting facts

  • Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, praised Château Margaux in the 18th century as one of the finest wines of Bordeaux.
  • The château itself is a listed historical monument and is often described as one of the most beautiful wine estates in France.
  • In 2015, a new tasting and research building was unveiled, designed by British architect Norman Foster, blending tradition and innovation.

Order Château Margaux online?

At Grandcruwijnen you can safely order Château Margaux. The wines are stored in a conditioned Wine Warehouse to ensure perfect preservation. If you select ‘Pick up’ during checkout, you’ll instantly see a discount. Convenient and cost-effective.

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