Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Bordeaux Generic |
Colour | White |
Type | Still |
This is a strong vintage for Bordeaux’s dry white wines, probably as good or better than 2005. Crisp acidity combined with outstanding concentration and the fact that most of the white grapes were harvested before the rains began in mid-September resulted in an impressive group of wines.
The 2006 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux has always been one of the pinnacle white releases from this First Growth and at ten years of age, I have no reason to change my mind. It has an exquisite bouquet of lemon curd, orange scents and a touch of praline that is very delineated and focused. The palate exhibits fine balance with hints of crème fraiche, almond and even a cheeky dab of marzipan. Funnily enough, it is difficult imagining that this is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and in fact, there is something almost Burgundy-like about this Pavillon Blanc (as I suggested in my barrel tasting note). Irrespective of origin, what it constitutes is a damn glorious white Bordeaux that comes highly recommended. So much so, I would drink this now rather than later.
Paul Pontallier: ‘I know everyone thinks there is Sémillon in here, and this year even I must admit that I find a little Riesling and even a little Roussanne’. Very low production - even lower than usual. 12hl/ha because of spring frost which touches this parcel only not the reds. ‘We made a mistake with deciding when to operate the frost protection system but with great results!’ 100% new oak.
Very pale straw. Heady and quite evolved - almost lime syrup note with a hint of orange blossom - already more open than many dry white Graves. Again those exotic floral notes as in Laville - wonderful minerality. Will 2006 launch a renewed interest in white wines? I do hope so! A certain richness as well as very tight finish - lovely wine!!!15.1% but very well hidden. A bit like 2005? Great minerality - more complexity than the 2005. Bravissimo! Already delicious - though presumably it will close down subsequently. Much more mineral than most vintages. A little more acid than ‘05.
Tasted at Margaux. Cruising in at 15.1% alcohol thanks to frost decimating the crop and offering paltry yields of 13hl/ha, this is a monumental Pavillon Blanc. An intense Burgundian nose that reminds me of a fine Comtes-Lafon, there is great lift and warmth from the alcohol, which must lend this Pavillon Blanc the sweetness on the palate. Notes of lemon, white peach, dried apricot and coconut in the mouth with a touch of guava on the aftertaste. Really quite irresistible in an untamed fashion. A bit of a one-off Pavillon Blanc with great ageing potential. Tasted April 2007.