2006
2006
2006
Pavillon Rouge 2006 represents a bit over a half of the crop, while almost 10% was set aside for the third wine. Naturally, most of the merlot batches are found in the Pavillon Rouge blend, accounting for 40%; they integrate very nicely as they lack neither finesse nor power, but only that graceful touch that is so particular to the cabernet sauvignon. It remains the majority with 55% of the blend. As with the Grand Vin, but to a lesser extent of course, it brings the 2006 an uncommun tannic strength and vivacity, both of these characteristics being reinforced by the presence of 4% petit verdot. This blend of grape varieties is fairly classic for Pavillon Rouge.
Pavillon Rouge 2006 is a powerful, flavoursome wine with a fresh and firm finish, perhaps a little austere today, but whose richness and balance guarantee superb development in the years to come. (November 2025)
Climate
After a rather cold winter (particularly during the month of February) but fortunately with more rainfall than in 2005, spring was so dry we almost started to get concerned about a possible lack of water for the vines. But that would have been forgetting just how adaptable vines are during a period of drought, and especially just how well great terroirs manage to even out such climatic extremes. On the other hand, our frost protection system was unable to prevent damage on April 11 at Virefougasse, the plot which produces the Pavillon Blanc, and resulted in a serious reduction in the potential yield.
The flowering, which took place in excellent conditions, promised an average-sized crop of red at picking dates very close to those of the previous two years.
The summer was then hot, even turning into a heat-wave during the last two weeks of July, the weather then cooled a little in August. It was dry, in particular: it rained less in July and August than during that same period in 2003! September brought the usual contrasting types of weather: very hot and dry for the first ten days, then mild and humid until the beginning of the harvest, then sufficiently dry to carry out the picking without any rush. This pattern of weather bears a strange resemblance to that of 1996, which had the same summer rain, the same very favourable weather at the end of August, and exactly the same rainfall from September 1st until the end of the picking. ... (The picking began on 19th September)
Pavillon Rouge 2006 represents a bit over a half of the crop, while almost 10% was set aside for the third wine. Naturally, most of the merlot batches are found in the Pavillon Rouge blend, accounting for 40%; they integrate very nicely as they lack neither finesse nor power, but only that graceful touch that is so particular to the cabernet sauvignon. It remains the majority with 55% of the blend. As with the Grand Vin, but to a lesser extent of course, it brings the 2006 an uncommun tannic strength and vivacity, both of these characteristics being reinforced by the presence of 4% petit verdot. This blend of grape varieties is fairly classic for Pavillon Rouge.
Pavillon Rouge 2006 is a powerful, flavoursome wine with a fresh and firm finish, perhaps a little austere today, but whose richness and balance guarantee superb development in the years to come. (November 2025)
Climate
After a rather cold winter (particularly during the month of February) but fortunately with more rainfall than in 2005, spring was so dry we almost started to get concerned about a possible lack of water for the vines. But that would have been forgetting just how adaptable vines are during a period of drought, and especially just how well great terroirs manage to even out such climatic extremes. On the other hand, our frost protection system was unable to prevent damage on April 11 at Virefougasse, the plot which produces the Pavillon Blanc, and resulted in a serious reduction in the potential yield.
The flowering, which took place in excellent conditions, promised an average-sized crop of red at picking dates very close to those of the previous two years.
The summer was then hot, even turning into a heat-wave during the last two weeks of July, the weather then cooled a little in August. It was dry, in particular: it rained less in July and August than during that same period in 2003! September brought the usual contrasting types of weather: very hot and dry for the first ten days, then mild and humid until the beginning of the harvest, then sufficiently dry to carry out the picking without any rush. This pattern of weather bears a strange resemblance to that of 1996, which had the same summer rain, the same very favourable weather at the end of August, and exactly the same rainfall from September 1st until the end of the picking. ... (The picking began on 19th September)
Service & tasting
Discover our tips for serving and tasting your wine in the best conditions.
Service & tasting
Discover our tips for serving and tasting your wine in the best conditions.