Château Margaux Margaux Pavillon Rouge 2005

93-95 points Neal Martin (Wine Journal): "More Merlot than usual (48 percent). Limpid purple garnet hue. Almost opaque. Just that gorgeous Margaux nose: violets, blackcurrant, just brilliant definition (and this is the second wine?) Blueberry coming through, a little more cassis. Firm tannins, again wonderful definition and focus. More dense than previous year, very good weight with a strong, blackberry, cedary finish. Lots of freshness on the finish. Wow, a sensational Second Wine. Tasted April 2006."

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2005 Pavillon Rouge is in a beautiful spot right now where it is just beginning to show signs of aromatic complexity and nuance. At fifteen years of age, the DNA of the vintage remains - Pavillon Rouge is a potent, hulking wine. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and anise add layers of nuance. Readers lucky enough to own the 2005 should be delighted. I imagine the 2005 will drink beautifully for another decade or more. Today it is positively stellar. The more it opens in the glass, the more classic it becomes. Drink: 2021-2030. (Apr 2021)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "Very beautiful aromas of crushed flowers--like roses--follow through to plum, berry and Indian spices. Full-bodied, refined and silky, with lovely ripe fruit and a delicate aftertaste of raisin and flowers. Best after 2012. (3/31/08)"

92 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Silky textured, full of sweet tobacco, fleshy raspberry and red cherry notes,. A little more open than its Pauillac siblings at this point, with the finely-boned structure and multi-layered aromatics that you look for in the wines of Château Margaux. A high percentage of Merlot in this vintage because the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon performed so well that it was given precedence in the main estate wine. One of the richest in alcohol and tannins produced at the property to date, and ready to go at 15 years old. Drinking Window: 2020-2032. (9/7/20)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2005 Pavillon Rouge is a hell of a second wine and it undeniably has some classic Château Margaux class. Cassis, spicy wood, graphite, and dried flowers all define the aromatics and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a round, supple, mouthfeel, and elegant tannins. It’s a layered, complex, satisfying Margaux to enjoy any time over the coming decade. Drink: 2024-2034. (4/6/24)"

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "All about red fruits, this is a celebration of ripe Merlot and Cabernet. It is touched with wood, but the flavors are of lively acidity, red berries, just showing some bitter chocolate. And to finish, more freshness. (Jun 2008)"

92 points Falstaff: "Deep dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate lightening at the rim, fresh cassis on the nose, sweet wood notes, sweet blackberries, a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied and sweet on the palate, very balanced, round and opulent, sweet chocolate finish, ready to drink soon. (May 2006)"