Château Pavie - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015

The vineyard land of Château Pavie has been a cherished site for grape-growing on the Right Bank of Bordeaux since the 4th Century. The estate in its modern form began to take shape in the late 19th Century, passing through various owners over the years. However, it was the acquisition by self-made Parisian millionaire Gérard Perse in 1998 that marked the beginning of Pavie's most notable period, ushering in a new era of innovation and quality for this historic estate.

Château Pavie's large production has made it more easily available than many other red Bordeaux. It is one of the best-known St. Emilions, vinified in a slightly lighter, more elegant style. With moderate red currant fruit in the nose, plus earth and spice, it can be peppery, spicy, or even leafy with hints of red cherries. Like other wineries in the côtes of St. Emilion, Chateau Pavie makes firm wines that are restrained and austere when young. The occasionally severe tannins mature with age into a fine sinewy structure. The better vintages are deep, intense, and concentrated. They mature 7-20 years after the vintage.

“Pure perfection in a glass and unquestionably one of the great vintages for this cuvée, the 2015 Pavie is a blend of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 80% new French oak. Sharing some similarities with the 2009, this tour de force sports a saturated purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, white truffle, and licorice. Its oak is perfectly integrated and balanced by this wine’s massive fruit and structure. Full-bodied, deep, and superbly concentrated, with building tannins, it’s a massive wine by any measure, but what sets it apart is that it still glides across the palate and retains an incredible sense of purity, balance, and elegance. It’s drinking well today due to the vintage’s opulence, yet won’t hit prime time for another 5-10 years and I suspect will keep for upward of 50 years.” - 100 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

“For me, this redefines Pavie. The depth and intensity and more important, the clarity, is really something. Full and ultra-fine tannins. It shows such great tannins and finesse. It is the essences of Pavie.” - 100 Points, James Suckling

“This start off richly, featuring beautifully rendered layers of fig, boysenberry and plum pate de fruit flavors coursing through. The structure is refined and integrated, with a light chalky edge adding tension and vivacity while being absorbed by the fruit. The finish has pyrotechnics of anise, black tea and singed mesquite that are formidably long. Best from 2025 through 2045. 5,833 cases made.” - 98 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Château Pavie

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Franc 

Appellation: Saint-Émilion

Vintage: 2015

Size: 750ml