Pavillon Rouge 1996

A smooth and fruity red Second Wine from Margaux

The estate

With origins dating back to the 12th century, Château Margaux is among those Grands Crus that have built the legend of the great wines of Bordeaux around the world. In 1855, the estate attained the title of Premier Grand Cru Classé and was the only one of the four châteaux presented to receive a perfect score of twenty out of twenty. With the acquisition of the estate in 1977 by André Mentzelopoulos, Château Margaux began a new chapter in its history. Elevating the Grand Vin of Château Margaux to the highest level, he reintroduced the estate’s Second Wine, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, first initiated in 1908. Following in her father’s footsteps after his untimely passing, Corinne Mentzelopoulos took up the family standard with energy and passion to preserve the stature of Château Margaux, which has become a Bordeaux masterpiece, so recognizable by its neo-Palladian style. Vintage after vintage, the estate’s wines rank among the greatest in the world.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Margaux owes its distinctiveness to its rare and unique terroir, situated on a gravelly rise. The estate’s varietal makeup gives pride of place to the region’s flagship black grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The property’s clay-limestone soils give rise to legendary wines with a racy, sensual character, so representative of great Margaux wines.

The vintage

Rapid flowering preceded an unsettled summer. A cool and particularly dry start to September gave way to rainy weather and then mild conditions through to harvest.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

Characteristics and tasting advice for Pavillon Rouge 1996 from Château Margaux

Tasting

Nose
The nose delights with its intensely fruity framework.

Palate
The palate harmoniously combines a fleshy structure with an especially supple texture.