Wine Advisor
Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux 2005
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Brisk aromas of citrus skin, flowers, minerals and mint, along with a deeper hint of honey. Wonderfully fresh in the mouth yet sweet, with highly concentrated flavors of grapefruit, lemon, mint and fresh herbs. There's a coolness to this wine but at the same time more creaminess and body than the comparatively crisp 2004. The second consecutive outstanding vintage for this 100%-sauvignon blanc cuvee (A retaste of the 2004 turned up exhilarating aromas of white peach and grapefruit, wonderful ripeness in a classically dry package, and outstanding persistence. I rated the wine 94 points.)
About the Producer
Sold in the 19th century as "Château Margaux vin de sauvignon", it has existed under the brand name "Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux" since 1920, and its label has not changed since then. This 11 hectare vineyard is planted exclusively to Sauvignon Blanc. It is located on a very old plot of the estate, planted long ago with red vines which were later dug up because of the high risk of spring frosts. Since 2009/2010, a complete review of production techniques and selection has been carried out in order to reach a higher level; only 1/3 of the harvest is bottled and the remaining 2/3 is sold in bulk. As a result, the quantity of white wine has been considerably reduced to no more than a thousand cases. Today, it benefits from the ultra-modern installation of the new cellar designed by Norman Foster. The finesse, complexity, richness and length of entry of the white wines are unparalleled for wines made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Recent vintages, notably the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, have broken new ground in terms of quality, ageing capacity and style, becoming more mineral and more complex. A large proportion of the harvest was bottled in magnums, creating optimal ageing conditions.
1959(1)1987(2)1992(1)1998(1)2004(2)
Package Size
