Wines Margaux Château Margaux - Pavillon Rouge - 1989

Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 1989 is a remarkable second wine from one of Bordeaux’s most illustrious estates. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Cabernet Franc completing the blend, this cuvée is designed to reflect the elegance and finesse characteristic of the Château. The 1989 vintage was exceptional across Bordeaux, marked by a hot and dry summer yielding ripe, concentrated grapes. Typical of Pavillon Rouge, careful vinification and ageing in French oak barrels have resulted in a wine with seductive aromatic complexity, featuring notes of blackcurrant, cedar, dried violets, and elegant tertiary aromas of leather, truffle, and tobacco that have developed beautifully with over three decades of cellaring.

Margaux is arguably Bordeaux’s most poetic appellation, renowned for producing wines of exceptional delicacy and aromatic refinement, thanks to its unique terroir. The soils here are predominantly deep gravel over limestone, providing excellent drainage and encouraging deep root growth, which contributes to the nuanced expression in the wines. Margaux’s microclimate, tempered by proximity to the Gironde estuary, helps moderate extreme temperatures and promotes even ripening. The appellation has a rich history, and Château Margaux itself is a cornerstone, referenced as far back as the 12th century and officially classified as a First Growth in 1855.

Pairing this mature Pavillon Rouge requires dishes that respect its subtlety and depth. Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, or classic French duck breast with a reduction of red wine and blackcurrants, would highlight the wine’s nuanced fruit and earthy notes. More regionally, try Margaux with entrecôte à la bordelaise or cep mushroom risotto, both of which will echo the wine’s earthy undertones and layered complexity.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 17-18°C. Decanting is advisable, not only to remove sediment but also to allow the wine’s delicate bouquet and intricate flavours to fully emerge. Savour it in a large-bowled glass to appreciate the richness and lingering finish characteristic of aged Margaux.