PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Pavillon Blanc is the only dry white wine made by Château Margaux, one of Bordeaux’s five First Growths, and one of the most prestigious dry whites in France. Because there is no appellation for white Margaux, it’s labeled simply Bordeaux Blanc, and the label is part of its charm: a legendary estate, a modest appellation, and a wine that regularly outshines far more expensive whites. It’s made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on the estate’s famous gravel hillock, in fewer than 1,000 cases in a typical year.
The 2020 has a special place in the story: it marks the 100th anniversary of the name Pavillon Blanc, “even though they have made a white wine at Margaux for 300 years,” as Jane Anson noted. The name succeeded the “Château Margaux Vin Blanc de Sauvignon,” produced since the 18th century. The estate celebrated the centennial with emotion at its tastings. The 2020 harvest took place early, on August 24 and 25, after a rain shower that “lent more acidity and freshness,” according to Vinous, with a low pH of 3.10 that gives the wine its energy. It was aged for eight to nine months before bottling in June 2021, and it’s 13% ABV.
Critics have scored it highly. Jane Anson of Decanter scored it 97 (April 2021), calling it “balanced and successful” and “easy to recommend.” Antonio Galloni scored it 95: “The 2020 Pavillon Blanc is gorgeous.” Michael Schuster of The World of Fine Wine scored it 95 to 97. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley scored it 93 (April 2023): “The 2020 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux comes skidding out of the glass at high speed with vibrant notes of lemonade, fresh grapefruit, lime blossoms, and yuzu, followed by hints of coriander seed and chalk dust,” a more energetic style than “the more chiseled 2019,” with a drinking window of 2023 to 2040. Neal Martin of Vinous scored it 92 (January 2024): “The 2020 Pavillon Blanc is quite opulent and oaky on the nose.” James Lawther MW of JancisRobinson.com scored it 17+/20, noting “Fresh and aromatic with citrus and pear notes and a brush-stroke of vanilla oak that adds an extra tone. Appealing depth, texture and weight and everything in balance.” As another taster described it, the wine has “clear gunsmoke character with slate and graphite, also a ton of white peach, white pear, some sweet mango and a scrape of salinity on the finish.”
The 2020 is a bright, high-energy Pavillon Blanc, with more citrus and chalk than the opulent 2022, and now has several years of bottle age. It’s a collectible, age-worthy white Bordeaux for a special dinner. Serve it at about 10-12°C in a large white Burgundy glass, with a brief decant if you like. It’s superb with lobster, scallops, turbot, roast chicken in cream sauce, and aged Comté.
Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2020 is produced by Château Margaux (Premier Grand Cru Classé, 1855) in Margaux, Bordeaux, France, from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on gravelly soils around the château. Harvested August 24-25, 2020 (pH 3.10), aged 8-9 months, bottled June 2021. Labeled AOC Bordeaux Blanc. 13% ABV, 750ml.
Jane Anson, Decanter — 97 Points (April 2021; some listings show 98):
“Balanced and successful... easy to recommend.”
Antonio Galloni, Vinous — 95 Points:
“The 2020 Pavillon Blanc is gorgeous.”
Michael Schuster, The World of Fine Wine — 95–97 Points
William Kelley, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 93 Points (April 2023; drink 2023–2040):
“The 2020 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux comes skidding out of the glass at high speed with vibrant notes of lemonade, fresh grapefruit, lime blossoms, and yuzu, followed by hints of coriander seed and chalk dust.”
Neal Martin, Vinous — 92 Points (January 2024):
“The 2020 Pavillon Blanc is quite opulent and oaky on the nose.”
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com — 17+/20 (drink 2022–2032):
“Fresh and aromatic with citrus and pear notes and a brush-stroke of vanilla oak that adds an extra tone. Appealing depth, texture and weight and everything in balance.”
Nose
Pale gold. Lemonade, fresh grapefruit, lime blossom, and yuzu, with white peach, white pear, sweet mango, coriander seed, gunsmoke, slate, and chalk dust.
Palate
Vibrant, balanced, and textured, with citrus and pear, a brush of vanilla oak, and appealing depth and weight.
Finish
Long, with a scrape of salinity and a chalky, mineral line.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Bordeaux Blanc AOC (Margaux, Bordeaux, France) |
| Variety | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Vintage | 2020 — centennial of the Pavillon Blanc name |
| Producer | Château Margaux (Premier Grand Cru Classé, 1855) |
| Harvest | August 24–25, 2020, after rain (pH 3.10) |
| Aging | 8–9 months; bottled June 2021 |
| ABV | 13% |
| Critics | Anson 97 · Galloni 95 · Schuster 95–97 · Wine Advocate 93 · Martin 92 · Lawther 17+ |
| Drinking Window | Wine Advocate: 2023–2040 |
| Serving Temperature | 10–12°C |
| Style / Identity | A bright, high-energy, citrus-and-chalk Sauvignon Blanc from a First Growth |
| Aromas & Flavors | Lemonade, grapefruit, lime blossom, yuzu, white peach, chalk, sea salt |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve at about 10-12°C (50-54°F) in a large white Burgundy glass; a brief decant helps if opened young.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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