Pavillon Rouge

(66% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 4% petit verdot, a 38% selection for the grand vin; 14% alcohol) Deep ruby. D elicate cassis, violet and inky aromas show an earthy, almost animal nuance. Then clean, dense and tight on the palate, with flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes smooth and long, with hints of dark chocolate and graphite. An impressive Pavillon, and there's less of it too, as it represents only 38% of total production this year (down from 45% in 2009). Margaux decided to make both a third and fourth wine in 2010. Paul Pontailler likes its nose best, and feels that this wine is at the same level as some weaker vintages of Chateau Margaux of the past. Though it's very impressive, I'm not sure I liked it quite as much, as I wasn't wild about the earthy notes on the nose.