Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 2023 has entered the market as part of this year’s Bordeaux En Primeur campaign, priced at GBP 1,440 (EUR 1,692) per 12×75 case.
This wine quotation release sees a significant 20% price decrease from the 2022 vintage, which was offered at GBP 1,800 (EUR 2,115) per case.
At EUR 120 per bottle ex-négociant, the 2023 vintage is also down 20% from the 2022 release price of EUR 150 per bottle.
Enthusiastic Critical Acclaim
The 2023 vintage of Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux has garnered a variety of critical responses, emphasizing its alignment with the estate's distinctive character. Jane Anson awarded the wine a score of 93 points, describing it as "an aromatic punch of white and red roses, feels very much in the DNA of the estate, with perfume, richly nuanced cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, cigar box."
Neal Martin of Vinous provided a more tempered evaluation, giving the wine a score of 90-92 points. He acknowledged the wine's "good length" but noted it was "missing the amplitude of the previous vintage." This balanced critique suggests a solid but not exceptional performance for the 2023 vintage.
James Lawther MW from Jancis Robinson rated the wine at 16.5/20 points, observing that the 2023 vintage has "less power but more 'Margaux' than the 2022," indicating a more traditional expression of the estate's style. Antonio Galloni of Vinous assigned a score range of 90-93 points, recommending a few years of aging to allow the wine to fully develop.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW of The Wine Independent awarded the wine a range of 92-94+ points, noting "vibrant notes of red and black currants followed by hints of rosebud tea, crushed rocks, dried Provence herbs, and Sichuan pepper." William Kelley from The Wine Advocate echoed this sentiment, giving a score of 92-94 points and remarking that the 2023 vintage is "somewhat reminiscent of a cooler-fruited version of the lovely 2019."
Pricing Analysis and Market Context
Despite its competitive release price, the 2023 vintage of Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux remains one of the more accessible options in recent years. For those exploring back vintages, several alternatives present compelling value.
The 2019 vintage stands out as a particularly attractive option. Neal Martin awarded this vintage a score of 94 points, the highest of the past decade (tied with 2015). It is available at a slight discount of 0.6% compared to the 2023 release, currently priced at GBP 1,432 (EUR 1,683) per 12×75 case.
Other notable options include the 2020 and 2021 vintages, both available at slight discounts to the 2023 release. The 2020 vintage, rated 92 points, and the 2021 vintage are priced at 1.1% and 2.1% discounts, respectively, offering good value for those seeking high-quality alternatives within the Pavillon Rouge portfolio.
Conclusion
The release of Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 2023 at a competitive price, coupled with its strong critical reception, positions it as a noteworthy acquisition for collectors and enthusiasts. Its significant price reduction compared to the previous vintage enhances its appeal, making it a potential value buy in the current market.