Chateau Margaux   Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux

2003 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux

By Chateau Margaux

2003 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux from Chateau Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux

The distinguished 2003 vintage produced by the esteemed Chateau Margaux in the storied region of Margaux, Bordeaux, stands resolutely as a testament to the extraordinary challenges and triumphs of that year's climatic conditions. Indeed, the 2003 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux encapsulates the interplay of man and terroir in a remarkable dance of vintner expertise and weather-blessed fortune.

 

An Exceptional Vintage's Journey

Remarkably poised against a backdrop of adversity – a year underscored by scorching heatwaves – the 2003 vintage defied the odds. This Pavillon Rouge holds court as an exemplar of tenacity, where meticulous vine management coaxed forth a harvest both unexpected and exceptional. The astute guidance in the vineyard guided this harvest towards a vintage that belies the challenging weather with a profile of complexity and grace.

 

Precise Expression of Time and Place

In the glass, the 2003 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux dazzles with a deep garnet hue, whispering tales of ripe fruit nurtured under an unforgiving sun. The nose is greeted by an alluring bouquet combining the ripe blackcurrants and plums that are quintessentially Margaux, with understated hints of cedar and spice derived from an impeccable ageing regime. On the palate, disciplined tannins integrate seamlessly into a framework that supports the wine's substantial architecture without overshadowing its refined fruit core—a synergy that resonates with investors who appreciate nuance and depth.

Finessed yet robust, one finds in this vintage an intriguing dichotomy; it offers a sumptuous immediacy while promising potential for those whose cellars will allow it to unfurl over time. There is a haunting stay of dark fruits layered with earthy undertones which linger persistently, testament to an outstanding wine which was carefully crafted to weather both time and preconceptions about what such a hot year could achieve.

 

In Conclusion: A Strategic Asset

For investors perusing opportunities within the fine wine market, the inclusion of specifics such as "2003 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux" might heed well in portfolios seeking both pedigree and rarity. This wine not only narrates a captivating chapter in Bordeaux's rich tapestry but stands firmly as one possessing great poise – it represents an eloquent investment piece offering collectability alongside enological enchantment.

Current market price

$2,540.00

12x75cl

Highest score

90

POP score

152

Scores and tasting notes

90

Big, round, and juicy, with lots of plummy and chocolate character. Full and round, very yummy. Why wait? Find the wine

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 14th 2011

90

Also a stunning wine, the 2003 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux is a sleeper of the vintage. Much fresher and less evolved than I would expect a second wine to be from this vintage, it is a Margaux-like effort with a flowery character, good precision and freshness, red and black currant notes, and an attractive, medium-bodied, surprisingly concentrated mouthfeel. It is clearly one of the finest second wines made in this vintage. It can be consumed over the next 5-8 years.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014

87

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner's Left Bank tasting. A potent, menthol tinged bouquet that bears more semblances to Australia than Bordeaux. The palate is full-bodied with chewy tannins, touches of cloves inflecting the chewy black fruit. Sappy and quite primal towards the finish. Tasted October 2010.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2011

Vintage performance