The 2016 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is a Bordeaux blend consisting of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. This second wine from the renowned Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux, France, exhibits a deep garnet-purple color and an alcohol content of 13.5%.
This vintage has garnered high praise from several professional reviewers. James Suckling awards it a score of 95, noting its "blackcurrant and floral aromas with brick and hot stones," describing it as having "firm and silky tannins with beautiful ripeness" and suggesting it would be best to try after 2024 (jamessuckling.com).
Wine Enthusiast gives it a score of 94, highlighting its "dense texture and high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon," which makes it an "impressively powerful second wine of Château Margaux." The reviewer emphasizes its concentrated acidity and dark blueberry flavors, coupled with tannins that demand aging, advising to drink it from 2023 (Wine Enthusiast).
Lisa Perrotti-Brown from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates it 93+, noting its "medium to deep garnet-purple color" and scents of "Morello cherries, black raspberries, and cassis," complemented by "menthol, dark chocolate, and garrigue." She describes the palate as "medium-bodied, very elegant, vivacious, and fresh with satiny tannins" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
Jeb Dunnuck also scores it 93, calling it "incredibly classic, elegant, and finesse-driven," with "textbook Margaux aromatics of cassis, ripe cherries, and spring flower," emphasizing its "medium body, subtle background oak, and lively acidity" (jebdunnuck.com).
Decanter awards it a score of 92, describing it as having "softened and deepened" over 18 months of aging, yet still exhibiting some austerity. The review mentions "toasted almond and tarry notes" from the 60% new oak and calls it a "beautiful wine that has balance and effortless class" (Decanter).
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider gives it a 94, painting a vivid picture of the wine's aroma as reminiscent of "Japan...when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom," and praising its "elegant and sophisticated" nature with "sweet, fresh red berries in the finish" (TheWineCellarInsider.com).
Wine Spectator scores it 93, mentioning "fine-grained sandalwood and alder accents" and a core of "stylish, gently mulled cherry and blackberry fruit flavors." The review highlights its "sneaky long" finish and suggests it is "approachable now" but also suitable for cellaring until 2035 (Wine Spectator).
Finally, The Wine Independent gives it a high score of 95, noting its "finely pixilated tannins and bold freshness," with a finish described as "long and mineral-laced" (The Wine Independent).
Overall, the 2016 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is a highly regarded wine, praised for its elegance, balance, and aging potential.