| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Bordeaux (White) |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
This is the dry white wine of Chateau Margaux, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Less than 1000 cases are produced annually. Freshness and a modest degree of 13.5 were achieved in 2018 by a very early harvest (27th to 31st August).
This is very linear and minerally with subtle mango and apple, as well as some pineapple and bitter lemon. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy texture and great tension and energy. Heather and lavender undertones. Steely. Tangy finish. Subtle and fine. This is a joy to taste and drink now, but will age beautifully.
The 2019 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The nose starts out a little sluggish before giving way to a core of green apples, fresh lemons, and lime leaves, followed by hints of sea spray and almonds. The medium-bodied palate is crisp and intense, with loads of citrus and mineral sparks on the long finish.
Reflecting the trend toward a more vibrant, earlier-picked style for this cuvée, the 2019 Pavillon Blanc exhibits notes of pear, grapefruit and crisp white peach, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and chiseled palate, concluding with a saline finish. Its low pH of 3.05 reflects a rigorous selection of only the first (and lowest pH) juice at the press. - drink 2021-2035
Philippe Bascaules—who served as directeur de l'exploitation under Paul Pontaillier between 1990 and 2011—took the reins at Château Margaux in early 2017, and he and his team have crafted one of the qualitative pinnacles of the 2019 vintage. Meticulously maintained vineyards, situated on the appellation's finest terroirs, are farmed intelligently, without deleafing or green harvesting—something other producers increasingly emulate as they pull back from the excesses of the early 2000s. Cabernet Sauvignon is on the increase, both in terms of plantings and as a percentage of the blend (it represents fully 90% of the grand vin in 2019), which works perfectly with Margaux's soils and the estate's elegant but concentrated style. Winemaking is very traditional, with classical macerations and an 18-month élevage in new oak (most barrels are produced in-house) punctuated by six rackings and one egg-white fining. An in-house bottling line is being acquired to bring even greater control and flexibility. Natural cork is the oder of the day for the reds, of course, but whites now see Diam 30 to ensure consistent evolution, and all are bottled in Margaux's new proprietary extra-dark glass bottle.
Grip and balance with clear flesh to the white peach, pear and citrus fruit and a saline finish. The flavours spiral down through your mouth, anchoring themselves to your palate and holding on, totally moreish and very much in the style of the house, with a kick upwards on the finish. You would be hard pressed to say no to this. Harvest 2 to 10 September. 3.15pH. Drinking Window 2021 - 2038
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel sample.
Aromatically fresh and expressive with ripe citrus and pear notes. Lovely volume of fruit on the palate, the oak completely absorbed and freshness maintained. Great persistence. Weight of fruit and acidity perfectly balanced. (JL) 13%
Drink 2022 – 2032
The 2019 Pavillon Blanc skips out of the glass with bright, cheery scents of fresh grapefruit, lemongrass, and green apple, plus suggestions of sea spray, lime blossoms, and chalk dust. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with intense citrus and mineral flavors, framed by a compelling acid backbone and satiny texture, finishing long and chalky. Pavillon Blanc went over to using Diam 30 closures in 2017.
The 2019 was picked between 2nd-10th September. As usual it is 100% Sauvignon Blanc with ageing in 25% new oak on lees with battonage. The alcohol is 13% abv. Philippe Bascaules described it to us as being “classic – with tension and acidity”. We were unable to taste this wine before release.
