(93-95 points) 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. Tasted April 2006.

48% Cabernet Sauvgnon 48% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Thick glass coating of purple / red. Rich Bing cherry chocolate coffee rasberry hints of sour cherry and spice on the nose. Dense lush and full with big tannins. New oak rasberry and bitter chocolate on the palate.

The 2005 Pavillon Rouge is a hell of a second wine and it undeniably has some classic Château Margaux class. Cassis, spicy wood, graphite, and dried flowers all define the aromatics and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a round, supple, mouthfeel, and elegant tannins. It’s a layered, complex, satisfying Margaux to enjoy any time over the coming decade.

Very beautiful aromas of crushed flowers--like roses--follow through to plum berry and Indian spices. Full-bodied refined and silky with lovely ripe fruit and a delicate aftertaste of raisin and flowers. The second wine of Margaux. Best after 2012. –JS

The 2005 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux was the first vintage that touched 14% alcohol, and apparently the late Paul Pontallier was pessimistic about its prospect. It has a lovely nose with savoury red fruit and brown spices, a little ferrous in style but certainly fresh and enticing. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry and “furry” tannins. Fully mature with good weight, it sports a slightly menthol-tinged finish. It is well worth popping those corks on this Second Wine now. -- Neal Martin

Stylish and pure, the 2005 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is soft and round, with a deep ruby color, silky tannins, medium body and a lush, seductive mouthfeel. It is drinking well already and should continue to do so for another 8-10 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.