Mature mahogany red; crisp, gently oaky, gently minerally and youthful to smell; taut, fresh, elegantly balanced Margaux with a still firm, dry tannin texture; crisp, flavoury, mineral backed taste with fine aromatic, but length needing time to mellow. 2018-30+ [M Schuster March 2014]

Tasted at Bordeaux Index annual 10-year on tasting from an ex-château bottle. The Pavillon Rouge de Margaux 2004 is a little muted on the nose but opens nicely with red berries, cedar, black pepper and freshly rolled tobacco. On the second sample at Bordeaux Index there is an extra dimension of crushed violets and lavender. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and clean and fresh black fruit. It feels quite toasty in the mouth and one bottle felt too austere at Farr Vintners, the sample at Bordeaux Index imbued with more grace and freshness. Tasted March 2014.

Margaux’s second wine, the 2004 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, may turn out to be outstanding. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by fleshy notes of black currants, cherries, smoke, earth, and spring flowers. Lovely, ripe, and opulent, it is best consumed during its first 10-15 years of life.

(a 60/40 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot) Good ruby-red. Sexy aromas of currant, black cherry, licorice, flowers, toffee, menthol and chocolatey oak. Juicy, pure and fairly tightly wound, with lovely acidity giving a briskness to the flavors. Finishes with good definition and grip, and a slight dry edge.

Full bottle 1,339 g – not heavy! Healthy shaded dark ruby. Rich, ripe, heady, complex Margaux nose. Smooth as red satin. Freshly aromatic. Nicely balanced with the tannins almost resolved and a very slight inky rust sensation on the finish. (JR)