Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, Margaux, 2023, 75cl

The 2023 Pavillon Rouge, which incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since 2016, opens in the glass with notes of sweet cherries and raspberries mingled with rose, violet and cigar wrapper. Medium-bodied, supple and lively, it's framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chalky finish.

Philippe Bascaules described the 2023 vintage as "another hot, dry year" at Château Margaux but one characterized by regular rains and comparatively overcast skies. Picking began on September 11 and concluded on October 5. Some fruit was lost to sunburn in the late-season heat wave, and removing those berries during harvest took time (sorting remains entirely manual at this estate, performed by the pickers in the vineyards). Some lots, especially Merlot, were very rich in juice and thus saw a saignée of up to 15%. It's also the first vintage in organic conversion at this address.