2009 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux
By Chateau Margaux
2009 Pavillon Rouge from Chateau Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux, France
The stature of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage reverberates with superlatives, and nestled within this historic milieu is the graceful presence of the 2009 Pavillon Rouge from Chateau Margaux. With my own evaluations spanning four decades, this particular vintage stands at a pivotal intersection of tradition and sublime expression.
An Exemplar of Elegance in a Celebrated Vintage
The heralded 2009 vintage was characterised by near-perfect climatic conditions in Bordeaux – a harmonious sequence of a warm summer and timely rainfall ushered in a splendidly ripe and robust harvest. The 2009 Pavillon Rouge encapsulates this extraordinary year with aplomb. It unfurls a tapestry woven with lustrous red fruit, primarily cherry and blackcurrant, intricately lined by threads of violet, liquorice, and a hint of smoky oak, none of which submerges the other but rather enhances in unity.
In comparison to previous chapters in the tome of Pavillon Rouge, the 2009 proffers a density and richness that are markers of the year's generous sunshine yet maintains the precise balance for which Chateau Margaux is celebrated. The tannin structure is both noble and silky, a signpost of careful vinification and expert ageing potential. This wine elucidates the ingenuity of incorporating noteworthy proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon into its melange, integrating power with finesse in equal measure.
The Investment Potential of Liquid History
A vital consideration for fine wine investors is the balance between pedigree and potential. The 2009 Pavillon Rouge from Chateau Margaux embodies this equilibrium exquisitely. With its commanding performance on both nose and palate coupled with commendable ageing capability, it signifies an advantageous addition to any discerning investor’s collection. Moreover, its stature as a secondary label from an estate as illustrious as Chateau Margaux infuses it with unique investment merit; it is a wine poised for appreciation both in sensory delight and market value.
For collectors intrigued by the nuanced complexity that time imparts on Bordeaux’s finest offerings, or investors keen on acquiring wines with significant maturation prospects, the 2009 Pavillon Rouge is one not to be overlooked.
Indeed, among peers and successors from the revered left bank commune of Margaux, this wine paints an expressive portrait of an exceptional vintage – a stately reminder that within each bottle lies both a history harnessed and a future unfolding.
Market price (GBP)
£1,778.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
118.53
Scores and tasting notes
This is wonderful to taste, with plums, berries, strawberries, and flowers. It's full and creamy textured, with gorgeous ripe tannins and a long, long finish. Such balance. Amazing tannin quality. Second wine of Margaux. One of best Pavillon Rouges ever. Try after 2018.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 14th 2012
Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux features an expressive, beautifully floral nose of dried roses and candied violets over a core of kirsch, Black Forest cake and fragrant earth with touches of black tea and cigar box. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft, plush, elegant and open-knit with an effortlessness to its character and a perfumed finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 14 March 2019
Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The Pavillon Rouge '09 has a high-toned bouquet with lavish dark cherries, creme de cassis and blueberry notes. It settles down with a few swirls and becomes increasingly refined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins. Harmonious and silky smooth, this is not a powerful Margaux 2009, but it is very well crafted and has a lovely saline finish. Tasted January 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013