2010 Pavillon Rouge, Margaux (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1067169 96 points James Suckling

This the greatest Pavillon Rouge ever made. Aromas of flowers, smoke, currants and raspberries follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a long, long finish. This is balanced and refined with wonderful depth. Hard to believe it's a second wine. Better after 2018. (2/ 2013)

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The second wine, the 2010 Pavillon Rouge (essentially two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot with small quantities and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) looks to be a wine to age for 20 or more years, but it is quite drinkable already. Soft, supple and luscious, with oodles of blue and black fruits, the floral character one expects, and not a trace of herbaceousness, oak or aggressiveness, this is a beautiful, round, generous wine to drink over the next 18-20 years. (2/ 2013)

94 points Wine Enthusiast

Dense and structured, this second wine from Château Margaux is magnificent. There are hints of bitter chocolate, along with tarry fruit. It is very textured, just hinting at extraction. The tannins are rounded and velvet-like in character. It's a wine for medium-term aging. (3/ 2013)

94 points Wine Spectator

This is lovely, with a powerful backdrop of graphite and tar, harnessed by flavors of velvety plum, steeped fig and black currant preserves. The long incense- and black tea-filled finish completes the seduction. Refined, defined and poised. Best from 2014 through 2025. (3/ 2013)

87-90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

66% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 4% petit verdot, a 38% selection for the grand vin; 14% alcohol) Deep ruby. D elicate cassis, violet and inky aromas show an earthy, almost animal nuance. Then clean, dense and tight on the palate, with flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes smooth and long, with hints of dark chocolate and graphite. An impressive Pavillon, and there's less of it too, as it represents only 38% of total production this year (down from 45% in 2009). Margaux decided to make both a third and fourth wine in 2010. Paul Pontailler likes its nose best, and feels that this wine is at the same level as some weaker vintages of Chateau Margaux of the past. Though it's very impressive, I'm not sure I liked it quite as much, as I wasn't wild about the earthy notes on the nose. (5/ 2011)

Jancis Robinson

Very noble indeed on the nose. Lovely supple stuff with clear first-growth influence. Very polished and dense and on the back the tannins really, really build up! This is a wine for the long term! Cool, dry finish. Very graceful. Feminine and very Margaux. (4/ 2011)

K&L Notes

** 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot.