2015 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux
By Chateau Margaux
2015 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux from Chateau Margaux, Bordeaux, France
The 2015 vintage in Bordeaux was a harmonious testament to the adage that "nature knows best", and nowhere is this more conspicuous than in the 2015 Pavillon Rouge from Chateau Margaux. A season of serendipitous weather conditions - warm summer days met with timely, softening rainfall - bushwhacked a path for this vintage to reach an almost mythic status amongst oenophiles.
Elegance in Evolution: A Stake Worth Cultivating
As the perennial second wine of the esteemed Chateau Margaux, the 2015 Pavillon Rouge carries forward the château’s resplendent reputation while etching its unique character into the ledger of outstanding vintages. Here lies a venture that aptly rewards the patience and sagacity of the astute wine investor.
A Tapestry of Terroir: The 2015 Vintage Unfurled
The stratagem of a 2015 vintage is its enchanting play of balance; fruit maturity dovetailed with tannin temperament in such a fashion that only the Médoc's finest parcels could narrate. The deep ruby potion encases scents of cassis, blackberry, and a smattering of violet, which seduce before even a sip is taken. On the palate, the investment made by Chateau Margaux in precision viticulture is manifest; there's an articulacy in how black fruits amalgamate with touches of earthiness and spice - all seamlessly woven together by silken tannins and buoyant acidity.
Moreover, those entertained by complexity will find themselves well-disposed to the structure presented here. A cameo of oak is integrated with such discretion it might be overlooked but for its role in elevating the wine's graceful ageing potential.
In Summary: A Strategic Addition to Any Portfolio
The 2015 Pavillon Rouge from Chateau Margaux epitomises both the tenacity and lyricism one finds in stellar Bordeaux vintages. For collectors and investors seeking to enrich their portfolio with a wine that promises growth, both in value and taste, this vintage stands out as a compelling chapter in Bordeaux's ongoing narrative.
Market price (USD)
$1,680.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
86.25
Scores and tasting notes
Shows incredible depth and power with near perfect Margaux character of black fruits and power. Full body, very tannic yet polished and refined. It’s like the gran vin but in a year like 2006 or 2007. Best ever.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
In a year when the Grand Vin was superb, it’s no coincidence that Château Margaux’s second wine is very impressive, too. Silky and fine, with plum and cassis fruit, taut acidity, subtle oak and more backbone than you think at first. Drink: 2022-30
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
The 2015 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, which represents just 23% of the total production this year, has a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than other years, 74%, with 21% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It has a very refined bouquet, focused and extraordinarily pure with blackcurrant, blueberry and minerals. The 50% new oak is beautifully integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a little more masculine than I was expecting, a Pavillon with firm structure imparted by that higher proportion of Cabernet. But the freshness is ample and there is a long, satisfying graphite note that seems to last forever on the finish. What a great deuxième vin, a stunning Pavillon Rouge.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
Blended of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and an expressive, alluringly spicy nose of cloves, cinnamon stick and fenugreek with a core of red and black currants, black cherries and wild blueberries plus a waft of pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied with very fine, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, it finishes long and satisfying.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018
74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Big change in the blend - far more Cabernet than there used to be. Very beautifully integrated on the nose. Still quite structured on the palate. Quite ambitious. This really is the sort of wine that would have been Ch Margaux in the 1980s. Excellent freshness and length. Not at all like a second wine. Great lift towards the end.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com