Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2023 has hit the market as part of this year’s Bordeaux En Primeur campaign, priced at GBP 2,880 (EUR 3,386) per 12×75 case.
This wine price release marks a 9.4% decrease from the 2022 vintage, priced at GBP 3,180 per case.
Similarly, its ex-négociant price has been set at EUR 240 per bottle, down from EUR 265 last year, making it one of the most competitively priced vintages of the past decade.
Enthusiastic Critical Acclaim
The 2023 vintage of Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux has garnered a spectrum of critical responses. Jane Anson awarded the wine a remarkable 96 points, describing it as "an exceptional white wine, with sculpted charm, showcasing citrus, lime zest, green apple, anise, and sage." This high praise underscores the wine's superior quality and distinct character.
In contrast, Neal Martin of Vinous offered a more reserved score of 88-90 points, suggesting that the wine was "perhaps not as complex as expected." This divergence in opinion highlights the subjective nature of wine tasting and the varied preferences among critics.
Antonio Galloni, also of Vinous, praised the wine's power and structure, awarding it a score range of 92-94 points. He noted its "creamy, textured fruit, bright acids, and an almost phenolic feel," reflecting its robust and layered profile.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW from The Wine Independent awarded the wine a score of 94-96 points, noting its "fresh grapefruit, pineapple, and white peaches leading to hints of honeysuckle, orange blossom, and coriander seed with a waft of yuzu." This description emphasizes the wine's vibrant and aromatic qualities.
Yohan Castaing of The Wine Advocate gave the 2023 vintage a range of 93-95 points, appreciating its "deep, complex bouquet of spring flowers, lemon oil, ripe orchard fruits, lemongrass, and sweet gooseberries." James Lawther MW from Jancis Robinson, though more conservative with a score of 16.5/20, acknowledged the wine's "long, poised and zesty" nature, despite noting it had "less concentration than some years."
Pricing Analysis and Market Context
Despite being one of the most expensive vintages currently available, the 2023 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux offers intriguing investment opportunities. For those exploring back vintages, there are several compelling options.
The 2019 vintage, with a Market Price of GBP 2,312 (EUR 2,718), presents a reasonable value proposition. Neal Martin awarded this vintage his highest score of the past decade, 94 points, making it an attractive option at a 19.7% discount compared to the 2023 release.
The 2017 vintage, highly favored by Jane Anson with a perfect score of 100 points, is available at a Market Price of GBP 2,500 (EUR 2,939) per 12×75. This represents a 13.2% discount relative to the 2023 release, offering significant value for enthusiasts and collectors. Additionally, both the 2017 and 2019 vintages received 98 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, her highest scores of the past decade, further enhancing their appeal.
Conclusion
The release of Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2023 at a competitive price, coupled with its varied yet impressive critical reception, positions it as a noteworthy acquisition for collectors and investors. While the 2023 vintage is among the most expensive of the past decade, its high quality and distinct character justify the investment. For those seeking alternative options, back vintages such as 2019 and 2017 offer excellent value and comparable, if not superior, critical acclaim.
Source: Liv-ex