Attractive sweet and smoky character to the raspberry fruits. This is generous, with subtle caramel and smoked cedar, a delicious Pavillon that is approachable and open, ready to drink but absolutely no rush, it will stay at this level for at least another decade. 30% of overall production.

This is a crisp, red-fruited wine with acidity and fresh tannins. It’s lost the austerity it showed at barrel tasting and has become surprisingly fresh, only showing its depths and concentration as it unfolds. The texture is smooth, soft with its firmer tannins very much in the background. It’s likely to develop quickly.

90+ The second wine of Margaux, the Pavillon Rouge (63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot), exhibits more structure and masculinity than one normally expects. It has a deep ruby/purple color, nice floral and blackcurrant notes, some spice box, moderate tannin and medium body. This is a Pavillon Rouge that should admirably stand the test of time for 15-20 years. Its impressively long finish adds to its appeal and value. This wine will actually benefit from several years of bottle age and keep for 20 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2012 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux has a pretty nose with well-defined, predominantly red fruit mixed with rose petals and scents of bergamot tea. Understated yet focused and delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Quite spicy with a generous dollop of black pepper mingling with tobacco notes towards the structured finish. This has held up well, though it is difficult to envisage further melioration in bottle. Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index's Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting. -- Neal Martin