Pavillon Rouge 2017 – Margaux – 2nd vin du Château Margaux

The production of a second wine probably dates back to the early 17th century, as it is inseparable from the quest for excellence that began at that time. Sold under the name “Château Margaux 2ème vin”, it took its definitive name of Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux in 1908. After an eclipse between the 1930s and the mid-1970s, production resumed with the arrival of André Mentzelopoulos in 1977, and initially increased significantly to improve the quality of the first wine. From the mid-90s, the creation of a third wine in turn enabled an increasingly rigorous selection process for Pavillon Rouge. In recent years, a third of the harvest has gone into the first wine, barely 30% into Pavillon Rouge, and the remainder is divided between the third and fourth wines.

The quality of Pavillon Rouge is very similar to that of the first wine, since the parcels that make it up were all, not so long ago, part of the Château Margaux blend. Of course, it doesn’t have the same complexity, the same depth, the same “magic”, but the aromas are similar and the balance on the palate is based on the same subtle balance of power and softness. It is generally ready to drink a little earlier, but has excellent ageing potential well beyond 30 or 40 years.