Chateau Margaux - Pavillon Rouge 2009

JAMES SUCKLING: "Very ripe for a second wine this is now delicious thanks to the rich blackberry and cassis fruit, full supple tannins and long finish that's simultaneously dry and creamy. Where is that porterhouse steak? Drink or hold."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Tabakig unterlegte frische Brombeernote, zartes Nougat, schwarze Kirschen, ein Hauch von kandierten Orangenzesten. Saftig, elegant, feine Extraktsüße, reife Herzkirschen, angenehme Frische, bereits sehr gut entwickelt und problemlos antrinkbar, mineralischer Nachhall."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux features an expressive, beautifully floral nose of dried roses and candied violets over a core of kirsch, Black Forest cake and fragrant earth with touches of black tea and cigar box. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft, plush, elegant and open-knit with an effortlessness to its character and a perfumed finish."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Silky and seductive, from a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, this ripe, fresh wine features supple tannins and a sweet, lush, blackberry, plum and spice filled finish. Enjoy it now, or over next 10-15 years."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very sleek, with a lovely winey edge to the plum, cassis and blackberry fruit, laced with roasted apple wood, lilac and singed iron notes. Tangy and lengthy, with ample depth, but also nearly approachable now. Best from 2013 through 2023."