2017 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux

The 2017 Pavillon Rouge is soft, luscious and very pretty. Sweet red cherry, red plum, mint, spice, blood orange, cedar and tobacco contribute lovely touches of freshness. There is some firmness in the tannin that needs time in bottle to soften; otherwise, the 2017 is very nicely done. This is a very pretty, classy wine built on aromatic depth and persistence more than anything else.

The 2017 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with lively notes of crushed redcurrants, warm cassis and wild blueberries plus hints of cinnamon toast, dried roses and lavender with a waft of chocolate box. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lovely skip in its step with bags of bright, crunchy red and black fruits and a soft texture of finely grained tannins, finishing long and refreshing. This label accounts for 22% of Chateau Margaux's production.

The 2017 Pavillon Rouge represents 22% of the harvest. It has an attractive bouquet with brambly red and black fruit, pressed roses, orange rind and a touch of incense, very comely and welcoming in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins on the entry and more black than red fruit. The sappy finish comes crisp and slightly brittle but fresh with blackcurrant lingering on the aftertaste. Very fine.