2018 Pavillon Blanc du Ch Margaux
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Tasting notes
As mentioned during my barrel tasting of this wine, the 2018 Pavillon Blanc is made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc that was picked at the end of August. The vines here are 40-50 years old, going some way to helping them cope with periods of extreme heat and drought, as was the case in 2018. The nose begins a little reticent, requiring a fair bit of swirling to unlock youthful, pristine notes of freshly squeezed limes, lemon tart and fresh grapefruit with touches of sea spray, green mango and acacia with a waft of crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate delivers a seriously racy backbone of acidity, supporting the super intense citrus and chalky flavors layers, finishing long with great purity. It will require a good 4-5 years in bottle to emerge from this shell and should drink for a good 15 years or more beyond that.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Fresh, bright, crisp and juicy, the lemons, grapefruit and green apple are made even better with a deft touch of orange rind and honeysuckle. Creamy, juicy and crisp with a lemon drenched finish, this is ready now and can age for at least 10-15 years with ease
The 2018 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, bottled in June under Diam 30, has a lively bouquet of almost an identical aromatic profile as I remarked out of barrel, a combination of white peach, hazelnut and lime, if perhaps less of the grass clipping notes. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, plenty of tension and vibrancy and an almost Burgundy-like precision on the finish (yes, I know this is Sauvignon Blanc, not Chardonnay... it’s probably more connected with the oak during élevage). But overall, this is an excellent Pavillon Blanc and I might just prefer it to its red counterpart
A very powerful and dense white with loads of dried lemons and cooked peaches. Full-bodied with chewy phenolic tension and texture. Extremely long. Lasts for minutes. Layered!
About the producer
Ch. Margaux is one of Bordeaux’s most historic and famous estates. The only classified First Growth in Margaux, it epitomises the appellation’s elegance, while producing wines with fantastic ageing potential.