Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2018

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

As mentioned during my barrel tasting of this wine, the 2018 Pavillon Blanc is made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc that was picked at the end of August. The vines here are 40-50 years old, going some way to helping them cope with periods of extreme heat and drought, as was the case in 2018. The nose begins a little reticent, requiring a fair bit of swirling to unlock youthful, pristine notes of freshly squeezed limes, lemon tart and fresh grapefruit with touches of sea spray, green mango and acacia with a waft of crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate delivers a seriously racy backbone of acidity, supporting the super intense citrus and chalky flavors layers, finishing long with great purity. It will require a good 4-5 years in bottle to emerge from this shell and should drink for a good 15 years or more beyond that.

Wine Spectator

Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

James Suckling

I'd say the finest white I've ever tasted from this estate, the 2018 Château Margaux Pavillon Blanc is all Sauvignon brought all in barrel. Its vivid gold hue is followed by an incredible bouquet of candied lemons, white grapefruit, crushed stone-like minerality, and a rich, flower oil-like character that develops with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, racy, yet incredibly concentrated, with serious extract, richness, and glycerol, it has an almost red wine-like sense of structure and length. Whites in 2018 don't get any better than this. Enjoy this sensational white any time over the coming 15-20 years.

Decanter Magazine

An expressive and bright nose, so bright and fresh with aromas of crisp green apple. What surprises the most is the texture on the palate, such a thick, honeyed lemon aspect - full, wide and expansive with a touch of buttery caramel, lemon and orange zest, nectarine flesh and a subtle toasted spiced, smoked element that hits the sides of the mouth creating complexity and nuance. Yet this is also thrillingly vibrant with excellent acidity - incredible even more so given the warmth of the year. A seriously stunning wine that is so balanced and pleasing to drink but also has a long life ahead. Extremely impressive.

James Suckling

A dynamic dry white with lemon rind, pears and sherbet, as well as vanilla and lilac character. It’s full-bodied with a tight, focused palate of lovely ripe fruit and vivid acidity. Timid, yet classy at the finish. Energetic acidity. 1,000 cases made. Try after 2023.