2023 Pavillon Blanc du Ch Margaux
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Tasting notes
In 2023 Pavillon Blanc du Ch. Margaux represents 45% of the white production at the château, with 50% going into the newly created second wine. It has a very fresh nose, dominated by citrus fruit, lime, grapefruit and white flowers. The salinity of this year’s Pavillon Blanc is striking on the palate, refreshing and concentrated, with oyster-shell and creamy notes. This is lovely. Aged in 25% new oak, with 13% alcohol and 3.15pH. Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Pavillon Blanc is elegant, gracious and light on its feet. This is an especially airy, lifted Pavillon Blanc. A heat spike starting on August 17 caused the technical team to accelerate harvest. Picking started on August 23 and wrapped up on August 30. There's good energy and tension here, but I find the 2023 a bit light on the mid-palate. Hints of lemon peel, sage, chalk, mint and white pepper linger on the brilliant finish.
Checking in as 100% Sauvignon Blanc brought up eight months in 20% new oak, the 2023 Château Margaux Pavillon Blanc was harvested earlier to avoid the heatwave, yet this is still a rich, concentrated example of the cuvée. Grilled citrus, grilled peach, mint, and floral nuances all emerge from this beauty, and it has a riveting minerality and chalkiness. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, rich, and layered on the palate, it builds with time in the glass, has bright yet integrated acidity (the pH is 3.1), and a great, salivating, salty finish. It will have two decades of longevity. Drink 2026-2046.
The 2023 Pavillon Blanc was tasted against the 2024 and frankly, I prefer the latter. This does not quite have the same éclat or what you might call “spark.” Pleasant scents of Conference pear and grassy meadow though without the charm of the 2024. The palate is well-balanced with ample weight. A keen line of acidity, meliorating toward a tensile finish with orange pith and green apples, a residue of spice lingering on the finish. It actually finishes on a high. Very fine … but I prefer the 2024.
About the producer
Ch. Margaux is one of Bordeaux’s most historic and famous estates. The only classified First Growth in Margaux, it epitomises the appellation’s elegance, while producing wines with fantastic ageing potential.