Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 2003 is the second wine of Château Margaux, drawn from the same Margaux estate vineyards but from lots not selected for the Grand Vin. In a year defined by the 2003 heatwave, the château started picking on September 10—its earliest harvest since 1893—and the estate itself characterized this Pavillon Rouge as “a monumental wine,” pointing to unusually high “tannic richness” for the property. Reportedly, the blend is about 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, and production was said to be roughly 20% smaller than in 2002.

Critics generally agree that this is a notably successful Pavillon Rouge, with several excellent reviews clustered around the 90–93 point range. Wine Spectator awarded 93 points, calling it “a solid wine” with “bright aromas” and a “waxy texture and a rich fruity finish,” recommending it “Best after 2008.” Wine Enthusiast (90 points) emphasized how well the wine carries its ripeness, describing it as “ripe and elegant,” and noting that “what is fascinating is the way the wine finishes with acidity and a great lift.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (90 points, 2014) was especially positive about how well it has held its form in bottle, calling it “a stunning wine” and “a sleeper of the vintage,” adding that it is “much fresher and less evolved than I would expect” and “clearly one of the finest second wines made in this vintage.” Neal Martin for Vinous (90 points) echoed that theme after tasting at the château, finding it “actually fresher than some Grand Vins tasted,” with brambly fruit, tobacco and peppermint, plus a “smooth and very drinkable” profile that is “À point.”

In style, expect a warm-vintage Margaux expression—ripe fruit and rounded texture—kept in check by freshness and an essentially classical, medium-bodied frame.