Chateau Margaux is a famous wine estate in the Medoc region, which along with Lafite, Latour and Haut Brion, was rated a First Growth in the original 1855 Bordeaux Classification. It covers 262 hectares, of which 82 hectares are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, and 12 hectares to Sauvignon Blanc.

In the 12th century, the property was called “La Mothe de Margaux” (the Margaux mound) and by the 16th century, wine was being produced at the estate. In 1705, the London Gazette advertised the first auction of 230 barrels of “Margose” and the 1771 vintage was the first “claret” to appear in a Christie’s catalogue. Indeed one of America’s Founding Fathers and vintner in his own right, Thomas Jefferson, visited this great estate in the late 18th century and declared it to be a vineyard of “first quality”. When Bertrand Douat, Marquis de la Colonilla, acquired the estate, he built the chateau that is often nicknamed the “Versailles of the Medoc”, a rare example of the neo-palladian style in France.

Andre Mentzelopoulos purchased the property in 1977, investing heavily in the estate and a program of improvements. Since his death in 1980, the property has been run by his daughter Corinne who continued his work in restoring the chateau to its former glory.

The 2023 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the esteemed Margaux sub-region in Bordeaux, France. Known for its deep garnet-purple color and vibrant aromas, this wine is a sophisticated second label from the prestigious Chateau Margaux. The blend consists of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, which contributes to its complex and refined profile. This vintage represents 30% of the château’s production.

James Suckling awarded this wine an outstanding 97 points, praising it as “very Chateau Margaux, with perfumed violets, currants and other berries, as well as oranges.” He noted its medium body, fine and vivid tannins, and its overall racy and refined character, calling it “one of the best Pavillon Rouges in a while” (jamessuckling.com).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 94 points, describing the 2023 Pavillon Rouge as “somewhat reminiscent of a cooler-fruited version of the lovely 2019.” Reviewer William Kelley highlighted its aromas of cassis, raspberries, licorice, and pipe tobacco, along with a lively, succulent profile and a sweet core of fruit (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).

Antonio Galloni of Vinous rated the wine 93 points, emphasizing its deep, intense nature with “bright acids driving a core of dark red-toned fruit, spice, and flowers.” Galloni mentioned that the structural elements stand out more due to the higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, advising a few years of aging for optimal enjoyment (Vinous).

Jane Anson also rated it 93 points, appreciating its “aromatic punch of white and red roses” and its alignment with the estate's DNA. She noted the fine tannins and the wine's energy and clarity (janeanson.com).

Jeb Dunnuck echoed the 93-point sentiment, describing the wine as “classic” with flavors of cassis, raspberry, graphite, and spicy nuances. He praised its medium to full-bodied nature, ripe, chalky, velvety tannins, and suggested it will drink well for two decades (jebdunnuck.com).

Lisa Perrotti-Brown from The Wine Independent gave it another 94-point score, highlighting its vibrant notes of red and black currants, rosebud tea, and a spicy lift on the finish. She noted its well-knit freshness and fine-grained tannins (The Wine Independent).

Decanter also rated it 93 points, noting its subtle aromatics of dried flowers, potpourri, rose, blackcurrant, and raspberry. The review mentioned its vibrant but intense nature and classic, well-defined structure (Decanter).

Overall, the 2023 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is a well-regarded wine with high praise for its aromatic complexity, refined structure, and potential for aging.