This lasts for minutes on the palate with incredible depth of fruit and salty highlights. Medium to full body, fresh acidity and a minerally, dried-lemon undertone. Energetic.

Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and slate are some of the many notes that are woven throughout the 2014 Pavillon Blanc. The interplay of bright, citrus-driven flavors and palate texture is compelling. This is the first vintage in which a portion of the Blanc was aged in 500-liter barrels, a format that helps preserve freshness and tension. In early 2015, I thought the Pavillon Blanc could be the most compelling of Margaux's 2014s. I still feel the same way.

The 2014 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux has quite an intense bouquet with aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossom, just as it showed out of barrel. It feels tightly wound, just like its red counterparts, and will benefit from a couple of years in bottle. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry—this is where all the action is. Lively and vivacious, it doles out enticing notes of dried apricot, pineapple, white peach and fennel, fanning out with abandonment on the persistent finish. What a great Pavillon Blanc! This comes recommended. NM

The 2014 Pavillon Blanc de Château Margaux is just a bit anonymous on the nose, despite encouragement. The palate is sharp on the entry, very edgy and sharp, verging on sour lemon mixed with lime and peach towards the finish. This is one of the few Bordeaux dry whites that improved with aeration and I ended up giving a higher score. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.