Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 2009 is the second wine of Château Margaux, one of Bordeaux’s benchmark First Growths in Margaux. In 2009 it was made from a Cabernet-led blend of **67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot**, drawn from the estate’s top-performing parcels and matured for around **20 months** in oak, with close to **60% new French barrels**. In other words, it’s built with much of the same intent as the grand vin, but aimed at earlier approachability.

The 2009 shows why Pavillon Rouge can draw top-tier praise in strong years. **James Suckling’s 95-point review** stands out as the wine’s best professional score here, calling it “**very ripe for a second wine**” and “**now delicious**,” highlighting “**rich blackberry and cassis fruit, full supple tannins and long finish that’s simultaneously dry and creamy**.” That combination of generosity and structure is echoed elsewhere.

In **Decanter (93 points)**, the magazine describes an “**absolutely killer combination of vibrant, plush red fruits and finely-wrought tannins**,” adding that it’s “**ready to enjoy now but will go long**,” and even calling it a “**near-perfect Pavillon**”—an excellent endorsement for the label.

**Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (93 points)**, via Lisa Perrotti-Brown, emphasizes perfume and finesse: “**dried roses and candied violets**” over “**kirsch, Black Forest cake**,” with a palate that is “**soft, plush, elegant and open-knit**” and finishes with “**effortlessness**.”

**Wine Spectator (91 points)** frames it in a sleeker, more savory register—“**plum cassis and blackberry**” with “**roasted apple wood lilac and singed iron notes**”—calling it “**nearly approachable now**.” Jeff Leve (92 points) similarly underlines its “**silky and seductive**” feel and “**sweet, lush… finish**.” Even as a barrel sample, **Wine Enthusiast (94 points)** flagged its “**very rich, dense**” fruit and “**ripe tannins**,” noting it performs “**on the level of a classed growth**.”