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Pavie 2019 75cl

1er Grand Cru Classé A | St. Emilion | Bordeaux | France
CHF 335.10
Critics scores
96 Vinous
The 2019 Pavie was sent directly from the château to my home in mid-January. Given the freedom to decant, I decided to examine this Saint-Émilion, the only "A" left standing at time of writing, over a 24-hour period. It has a very controlled and focused nose, one that completely contradicts those that still claim that somehow Pavie is overripe or picked too late. This is delineated, clean and precise – dare I say, almost "classic" in style. Those blackberry and incense aromas that I remarked upon from the barrel sample remain in situ, and the floral component is enhanced, suggesting iris rather than violet. The palate is medium-bodied, yet full in the mouth, the tannins lacquering though not overwhelming. The oak is neatly integrated, building very nicely, and the copious black fruit is laced with graphite and tobacco courtesy of the Cabernets, which, lest we forget, constitute half the 2019 blend. I noticed how, after three hours, the tannins become more prominent, toughening up a little, the Cabernets edging out the Merlot and lending more of a Left Bank-like personality. Then, after 24 hours, the wine mellows and becomes plush, putting quite a distance between itself and the more ostentatious Pavie-Decesse. It shuts down a little on the finish, a timely reminder that this Pavie will need plenty of cellaring. But this is going to be an awesome Saint-Émilion.
Producer
Château Pavie
Pavie stands for the small vine-grown peaches that previously occupied this Saint-Émilion plot of land prior to the 4th century. Today, Château Pavie carries its heritage in its name, and stands as the largest Premier Grand Cru Classé in the entire appellation. With 37-hectares of continuous vines and ample amounts of sunshine, this remarkable south-facing lot can be classified into three specific terroirs. The newly redesigned estate by Alberto Pinto, has a large glass façade that offers an outstanding view of the hillside vineyard, some even claim it’s "the most beautiful spot in Saint-Émilion.” Purchased by Gérard Perse in 1998, owner of the Pavie-Decesse and Monbousquet châteaux, Pavie is now one of the greatest new wave producers. Pavie, like the other Perse wines have developed into late-harvested and highly extracted reds, balanced by their dichotomy of opulence and delicacy. Promoted to the Premier Grand Cru Classé A status in 2012, the Grand Vin, Pavie is an exemplarily Perse wine, vinified with a modern approach, the result is rich, concentrated and high in quality.