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Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux (2nd wine of Ch Margaux) 2005

Margaux, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

Margaux’s second wine gets better with each vintage. The 2005 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux (200,000 bottles produced) is an equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a hefty alcohol content. Fleshy, opulent, and nearly decadent, with terrific fruit, a creamy texture, and supple tannin, it can be enjoyed over the next 12-15+ years.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2008-2023 30 April 2008

As I indicated last year, administrator Paul Pontallier, along with the owners, has made a concerted effort to upgrade the quality of Chateau Margaux’s second wine, which now represents nearly 200,000 bottles. The 2005 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux (primarily equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a small dollop of Petit Verdot) is actually higher in alcohol (14%) than its big sibling. Although not as complex as that wine, it is an intense, fleshy, silky-textured, opulent, rich effort boasting terrific purity as well as sweet fruit and tannin. A sleeper selection, it will provide immense enjoyment for 15 or more years.

Score: 91 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2007-2022 30 April 2007

The best second wine yet made by Chateau Margaux is undoubtedly the 2005 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, a blend of nearly 50% Merlot and the rest primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Petit Verdot. Extremely rich in color, flesh, fruit, and glycerin, this amazingly opulent, full-bodied effort tips the scales at 14% alcohol ... a full degree higher than its grander sibling. Serious consumers should consider purchasing this gorgeous offering as it is probably better than just about any Chateau Margaux produced between 1963 and 1977. It should drink well for 15 or more years.

Score: 90 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2006

Deep crimson. Glowing with health. Quite zesty nose, broad and ripe. Very seductive ripeness with lovely polished tannins. Good balance of acidity with velvety tannins and ripe fruit. Firm, sandy tannins on the finish. Some slight heat on the finish - just like Alter Ego de Palmer. Fourteen per cent alcohol. (Merlot reached unheard-of levels 13.7 -15.5% - and the blend here is almost half Merlot.)

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-2025 10 April 2006

The second wine of Chateau Margaux and one of the best second wines of Bordeaux. This year there is more Merlot in the blend - 48% with an equal proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. At Margaux, they say that this may well be the most concentrated and most impressive Pavillon ever made; it is certainly the densest. Fragrant and heady on the nose, with lots of stone fruit character. An opulent Pavillon with a gorgeously round and supple texture.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 10 April 2006

More Merlot than usual (48 percent). Limpid purple garnet hue. Almost opaque. Just that gorgeous Margaux nose: violets, blackcurrant, just brilliant definition (and this is the second wine?) Blueberry coming through, a little more cassis. Firm tannins, again wonderful definition and focus. More dense than previous year, very good weight with a strong, blackberry, cedary finish. Lots of freshness on the finish. Wow, a sensational Second Wine.

Score: 93 - 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2006

Gorgeous aromas of ultraripe grapes with raspberries, minerals and hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with silky and juicy tannins. Long and flavorful. Chunky wine yet focused and structured.

Score: 92 - 94

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2006