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Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2016

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Bordeaux Generic
ColourWhite
TypeStill
Grape VarietySauvignon Blanc/Semillon

This is the dry white wine of Chateau Margaux, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Less than 1000 cases are produced annually.

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Margaux

Label

Tasting Notes

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc from Chateau Margaux prances with showy scents of fresh pineapples, white peaches, and honeycomb, plus a touch of elderflower. The light to medium-bodied palate has amazing energy for the opulence of the fruit expression, featuring tropical fruit layers and a lively backbone, finishing long and electric.

95
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, December 2022

This is really exciting with a vivid and energetic acidity and brightness. Lemon rind, pear and mineral character. Full-bodied, tight and long. A winner. Great finish.

97/98
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, March 2017

They started harvesting the whites here on 8th September, three or four days earlier than last year and earlier than planned after checking the acidity levels - an excellent decision as this is easily one of the best white wines of Bordeaux this year. It has grip, tension and a wealth of aromatics that is surprising as it is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and it was the Semillons that resisted the heat a little better down in Pessac. With steely citrus, slate, mineral and a sappy finish, it hugs throughout the palate. All the white grapes had come in by 13th September, and the pH is a vibrant 3.2. Valerie Lavigne, long-time associate of Denis Dubourdieu, works with the team on the white wine. Yield of 23hl/ha.

Drinking Window 2020 - 2035

96
Jane Anson, Decanter.com, April 2017

Almost oily and creamy. Lovely precision. Racy and lively. Very pure and luxurious. The closest to Petit Cheval Blanc. Very limey and energetic. Lanolin and really refreshing.
Drink 2019-2030

17
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2017

Always based on Sauvignon Blanc and brought up in 20% new French oak, the 2016 Pavillon Blanc shows a racy, reductive style that slowly opens up in the glass and shows more and more richness. Beautiful notes of crushed citrus, tart peach, and bright minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied, concentrated white that has high yet integrated acidity, flawless balance, and a great finish. It’s hard to resist, yet I suspect it will keep for decades. Drink 2019-2039.

94
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, February 2019

Rich ripe fruit on the nose the palate has pineapple and hints of tropical fruits depth of flavour. Bright and fresh in the middle balance layers of flavour complexity. Rich ripe fruit at the back the finish is lighter with fresh fruits stylish and long. 2020-33

92/95
Derek Smedley MW, DerekSmedleyMW.co.uk, April 2017

2016 wasn’t the easiest vintage for white wines in Bordeaux, but class always shines through. This creamy, zesty, beautifully oaked Sauvignon Blanc never disappoints, with notes of grapefruit, toast and lemon zest and a fine, balanced finish. 2018-23

95
Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, April 2017
Read more tasting notes...

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux features fresh grapefruit, white peaches and lemon juice scents springing from the glass, followed by lime leaves, wet pebbles and elderflower plus a touch of honeysuckle. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and fresh with loads of vivacity and a long, mineral-laced finish. Drink 2021-2038.

94
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (Interim En), November 2018

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux was picked between 8 and 13 September and represents just one-third of the production due to a strict selection, around 10,000 bottles. Matured in 20% new oak in more demi-muids than before, it has a glorious bouquet with lime flower, passion fruit and a touch of lychee all with wonderful definition. The palate is very well balanced with a smooth, slightly viscous texture. The acidity counterbalances the richness here and it is blessed with gorgeous tropical tones on the tensile finish. This is excellent. Drink 2019-2032.

92/94
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (230), April 2017
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.