Good, pure fruit with scented violets, black cherries and some currants. Full-bodied and richer than most from the vintage, with lots of fresh, dusty tannins and impressive concentration. Fresh, pure, compact and long. 77% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.

The 2024 Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge sports a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as some classic notes of red and blue fruits intermixed with graphite, tobacco leaf, and spicy wood. It's beautifully balanced, has present tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. This isn't a vintage for many second wines, but there's no denying the quality here.

Incorporating more Cabernet Franc (as recent plantings mature) and more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, the 2024 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux unwinds in the glass with aromas of sweet cassis, red berries, vanilla pod and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and lively palate with good density, powdery tannins and lively acids. It checks in at 12.9% alcohol.

High floral aromatics on the nose, marked by peony, white roses, lilac, chalky tannins, lovely purity of expression, complex aromatics that reflect berry fruits that are ripe without being heavy, with focus and precision. 3.62ph, 12.5% press wine, 30hl/h yield after sorting. Harvest September 23 to October 8. Less Merlot than usual both in Pavillon and in Margaux, and more Cabernet Franc (9%) in this, as a result of plantings a decade ago.

Quite floral in nature, you also find ripe black cherries, plums, espresso, and a touch of tobacco wrapper in the aromatics. On the palate, the wine displays its charming character with ease. Medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, and juicy, with sweet black with red currants, and cherries with freshness, and vibrancy. The wine was made from blending 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. 12.9% ABV. Drink from 2027-2040.

The 2024 Pavillon Rouge contains less Merlot and more Cabernet Franc this year due to more plantings in the vineyard, and represents 28% of the total production. Raised in 50% new oak, it has a pretty nose with blackberry, blueberry, crushed stone and light oyster shell aromas that gain a little intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with brisk tannins. This is a very linear and structured Pavillon Rouge that does not possess the flesh or sensuality of warmer vintages, as you would expect with less Merlot in the blend. Quite saline on the finish, this will require two or three years in bottle.

77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. 30 hl/ha. 28% of the production. Cask sample. Fragrant and refined on the nose. Ripe and zesty as well. Plentiful fine-grained tannins so lovely texture. Some tension but not aggressive. Fine-boned and harmonious. (JL)