Château Pavie 2024

Arômes de Pavie had already convinced, but here there is clearly more depth; what a bouquet: cherries, cassis, blackberries, herbal tea, subtle mocha, dark chocolate, candied oranges; dense, full-bodied, rich—almost two mouthfuls of wine—expansive fruit wrapped in a Great Wall of silky tannins, top-notch structure, very good balance, long and highly aromatic on the finish. A typically powerful, yet markedly fresher Pavie than in other years.

Floral aromatics and dark fruits with liquorice, cola and clove aspects – almost seductive. Smooth and vibrant, assured despite being quite tight and a touch austere at this point. You can feel the tension and the direction, but you can’t fault the detail and the definition. Finessed tannins, slick and suave with ripe fruit, but for now this is all in one line, direct and a little strict. Amazingly perfumed. Less accessible now, with real bite and a tang of limestone, liquorice and clove, although this carries the Pavie signature and is built for the long haul. I really like the work they’re doing here and this is a success in 2024. A yield of 24.07 hl/ha. Ageing: 65% new oak, 35% one fill. Optical sorting. pH 3.69.

51% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon – same blend as last year. 24.07 hl/ha. Cask sample. Purple-black hue. Lift and complexity on the nose with dark-fruit, spice and citrus notes. Firmly structured with present but well-honed tannins. Has the natural power of Pavie so potential. Slightly hard, chalky finish. (JL)

The darkest colored wine of the vintage opens with a bouquet of flowers, licorice, chocolate, black cherries, plums, espresso, and crushed stones. The palate is even better, showcasing depth, opulence, freshness, length, and energy, culminating in layers of dark, black pit fruits and an intense minerality that adds a salty edge, enticing you to take another sip. The wine blends 51% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.71% ABV. Harvesting took place September 27 - October 9. Drink from 2030-2050. 94-96 Pts

The nobility of the aromas draws you into a world of luxury and elegance, without denying power or energy. Purple flowers and red fruits, rich and spicy, come together in an intense, distinctive, captivating bouquet. On the palate, a sphere of concentrated energy unfolds gradually, gaining in breadth and brilliance. The structure rests on lively acidity, vibrant fruit, a velvety texture, and concludes with a highly sophisticated finish. The refinement of the tannins supports a velvety, radiant substance, chiselled like crystal.

There is no better way to discover the power of the Pavie terroir than to see how it has peformed in 2024 - a naturally cooler and slimmer vintage, and yet you still have a wine here that has depth, energy, intensity and concentration, squid ink, fennel, oyster shell salinity. The fruit is sappy, for sure a brighter and slimmer version of Pavie compared to many vintages but this is still unmistakeable estate signature. 42ha in production, now including Pavie Decesse and Bellevue Mondotte (as of 2022). 24hl/h yield, September 27 to October 9, 3.69 pH. 65% new oak, with lower toast.