Just like in 2009, grapes were harvested between the 23rd of September and the 15th of October. The entire vineyard benefited from excellent weather conditions, yet not all plots seem to have capitalised on this. The Merlot and the Cabernet planted in the most clayey soils reached high alcohol levels, which tended to affect their finesse rather than their balance. We blended them in the third wine, which is both larger in volume (24% of the crop) and better than it has ever been.
It is the first time that the Pavillon Rouge, which made up 38% of the crop, accounts for the same proportion as the first wine. This selection reflects the even higher standards we have set for Pavillon Rouge. It is indeed no longer a second wine but rather a different blend of the first one, with truly comparable tannic power.
66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot: while these are practically the same proportions as in 2009, the quality is quite possibly superior. Never before has Pavillon Rouge come so close to Château Margaux. (April 2011)
