Chateau Margaux - Pavillon Blanc 2017

DECANTER: "There is flesh here but it is so precise and well held together that it takes a minute to realise how much weight is in the palate. Tons of creamy white peach, apricot and nectarine fruit, then it pulls together and goes for the vice for the finish. This was a brilliant wine En Primeur and it continues to deliver. So concentrated, it bursts out of the glass and has huge persistency through the palate. If willpower is an issue you could drink it right now, but it will age beautifully. A yield of 20hl/ha. 50 year old vines. 20% new oak. Dark-coloured bottles since this vintage (previously they were transparent), and closed with Diam cork. 3.1pH. Drinking Window 2020 - 2040"

JAMES SUCKLING: "So energetic and wicked, in a good way, with a subtle start to the palate. Then it takes off on the finish. Sliced dried-apple, green-pear and crushed-stone notes. So minerally and levitated at the finish. Great finish. Explosive. Drink now and enjoy the freshness and youth, or age as long as you like."

WEINWISSER: "Helles Gelb. Extrem vielschichtiges, unfassbar fokussiertes Bouquet mit reifem Mirabellenbouquet, dahinter steigen weisse Blüten und feinste Mandarinennoten auf. Am saftigen, enorm präzisen Gaumen mit perfekt gepufferter Säure, reifem, feinpfeffrigem Extrakt und einer veloursartigen Textur, dann kommt eine tiefgründige Mineralik auf, die dem Wein eine unglaubliche Tiefe und Energie verleiht. Im gebündelten, tänzerischen Finale spielen Nektarine und getrocknete Agrumen noch einmal gross auf. Hat uns schon während den Primeurs-Verkostungen wie noch nie so begeistert – pure Poesie, dieser Pavillon Blanc!"

FALSTAFF: "Helles Gelbgrün, Silberreflexe. Feine Nuancen von Stachelbeeren und Guaven, zart nach Grapefruitzesten, weiße Tropenfrucht. Frisch und lebendig, weißer Apfel, komplex, salzige Mineralität, wirkt fast eine Spur schlank, rassige Struktur, saliner Nachhall. Ein lebendiger Speisenbegleiter, ausgestattet mit gutem Reifepotenzial."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Chateau Margaux has a spraying system to combat frost at this vineyard. Still, yields were down to 22 hectoliters per hectare due to some crop losses. As always, the 2017 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It opens slowly to reveal scents of fresh pineapple, lime blossoms, orange peel and lemon curd with hints of yuzu zest, wet pebbles, struck flint and kumquat. Medium-bodied, the palate absolutely sings of vibrant citrus fruits and mineral accents, sporting a very lively line of freshness, finishing with great length and whispering of tons of aging potential. Stellar Pavillon Blanc! Readers should note that after 15 years of experimenting with Diam, this is the first year this wine will be bottled under this closure. To further aid aging with consistency, this is also the first year that the wine is in a dark green bottle as opposed to the former clear glass."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Another great white from this team, the 2017 Chateau Margaux Pavillon Blanc doesn't get the recognition it deserves, All Sauvignon, it has a rocking bouquet of white grapefruit, crushed citrus, salty minerality, and hints of mint. Rich, medium-bodied, ultra-fresh yet with terrific fruit, it can be drunk today or cellared for 10-15 years."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Lightly honeyed citrus rind, traces of vanilla, pomelo and the peelings of green apple grab your attention right away with a parade of invigorating citrus flavors. There is length and acidity giving the wine buzz and endurance."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very lively, featuring a juicy, mouthfilling mix of peach, nectarine and tangerine notes, laced with a singed orange peel thread. Exotic yet pure flavors are married to electric energy. Best from 2021 through 2029."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Very scented, intense citrus but also finely floral. Really floral. Peachy. Full in the mouth and great acid tension leaving the mouth clean. A floral scent on the palate too but it is quite delicate. There's a gentle creaminess and a slight lees grip yet the intensity is fruit-driven. Long and complete and just a light saltiness on the finish."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Beautifully perfumed, this wine has ripe yellow fruits as well as a greener herbal character. Along with its tension and minerality, the wine is rich and has freshness and potential. Drink from 2022."