98 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - A dynamic dry white with lemon rind, pears and sherbet, as well as vanilla and lilac character. It’s full-bodied with a tight, focused palate of lovely ripe fruit and vivid acidity. Timid, yet classy at the finish. Energetic acidity. 1,000 cases made. Try after 2023.

95 POINTS: WINE ADVOCATE - As mentioned during my barrel tasting of this wine, the 2018 Pavillon Blanc is made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc that was picked at the end of August. The vines here are 40-50 years old, going some way to helping them cope with periods of extreme heat and drought, as was the case in 2018. The nose begins a little reticent, requiring a fair bit of swirling to unlock youthful, pristine notes of freshly squeezed limes, lemon tart and fresh grapefruit with touches of sea spray, green mango and acacia with a waft of crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate delivers a seriously racy backbone of acidity, supporting the super intense citrus and chalky flavors layers, finishing long with great purity. It will require a good 4-5 years in bottle to emerge from this shell and should drink for a good 15 years or more beyond that. -Lisa Perotti-Brown

91 - 94 POINTS: VINOUS - The 2018 Pavillon Blanc is rich and beautifully layered, with a striking interplay of aromas, flavors and textures. Citrus peel, white flowers and orchard fruit give the 2018 lovely resonance from start to finish. Harvest was about a week earlier than normal, which is to say between August 27-31, before dehydration in the field became an issue. The 2018 captures the natural radiance of the year while retaining terrific freshness as well. In a word: sublime. -Antonio Galloni

93 POINTS: VINOUS - The 2018 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, bottled in June under Diam 30, has a lively bouquet of almost an identical aromatic profile as I remarked out of barrel, a combination of white peach, hazelnut and lime, if perhaps less of the grass clipping notes. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, plenty of tension and vibrancy and an almost Burgundy-like precision on the finish (yes, I know this is Sauvignon Blanc, not Chardonnay... it’s probably more connected with the oak during élevage). But overall, this is an excellent Pavillon Blanc and I might just prefer it to its red counterpart. -Neal Martin