Château Pavie 2023

Very deep, ripe dark fruit, stony notes, very noble; on the palate majestic, densely built, great concentration, masses of tannins, powerful yet with elegance and freshness, great length, mineral-driven. A monument in this vintage, with great reserves.

Aromatic nose, clean and clear, lovely pristine black and red fruits, some dark chocolate with violets, graphite and liquorice. Gorgeous succulence, this is so clear and crystalline with some juicy strawberry and bitter orange. A touch of tension gives the backbone and structure—great direction and movement from start to finish. Poised and piercing—so direct—I love the finesse and refinement, everything feels so elegant. Layered and complex but with zing, a sense of life and tons of energy. Still compact, no doubt, as you'd expect, but the tannins are fine and the wine has been well constructed—this will be delicious. An impressive showing for Pavie in 2023. 3.66 pH.

With its black-purple color, just a single swirl reveals blackberries, black cherries, cassis, mint, tobacco leaves, spice, and oceanic influences. The palate is even better, with layers of black and red fruits showcasing a gorgeous sense of purity. The wine is concentrated, deep, long, and intense, as is the minerality. There is an electric vibrance providing a racy mouthfeel that energizes the fruit in the long, expansive finish, buttressed by its aromatics on the palate. The key to the vintage was the ability to wait for the right moments to pick each varietal. To illustrate that point, some of the oldest Merlot vines were harvested after the Cabernet. The wine blends 51% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.25% ABV, pH 3.66. Harvest took place September 18 - October 5. Drink from 2030-2065. 97-99 pts.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Inviting dark berry fruit, blackberry, fresh cherry, delicate oak savoriness, with candied orange zest in the background. Juicy, tightly woven, ripe dark berries, integrated, supporting tannins, lively structure, chalky freshness, good grip, red berry nuances on the finish, a lively, animating style, no trace of opulence, salty aftertaste, good length and assured maturity with definite ageing potential.

51% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32.76 hl/ha, 14.25% vol. Densely interwoven bouquet with blueberry contours, intense violet and iris aromas. On the second nose, redcurrant nectar, graphite, licorice, and lingonberry purée. On the palate, a structured wine with creamy texture, a tight-knit tannic framework, peppery extract, a refined mineral core, and a muscular body. Concentrated, never-ending finish with blue berries, dark minerality, and elevated astringency paired with noble bitterness.

More damson and black cherry fruits, rich and ripe but balanced by tomato leaf and pumice stone. This is intense and concentrated, skilfully constructed, showing fragrant cumin and turmeric spice that lifts through the palate, opening to show black tea, blood orange, cocoa bean, mint leaf—totally delicious and clearly speaking of its limestone soils. Feels at the top of its game. Harvest September 18 to October 5, 72% new oak for ageing, Gerard Perse owner.

Score: 95–97. An opulent, exuberant, hypnotic nose, with lovely complexity and layers of sappy and floral aromas. Exceptional presence on the palate: everything is in balance and abundance. The fruit and the tannins—so appetizing you want to bite into them—have irresistible quality thanks to the freshness.

A lovely fruity, fresh, intense nose, offering dark tones with freshness, intensity with finesse, a certain power with precision, a sense of drive, and an infusion-like character. Notes of blackberry, violet and, more subtly, dense/fresh small blue fruits mingle with touches of incense, graphite, and hints of sense of place (local biotope/Mediterranean barrier), spice, a discreet touch of roasted fruit, and a subtle note of blond tobacco. The palate is fruity and balanced, with juiciness, concentration, depth, juiciness, fine definition, indulgence, a tangy acidic frame, brightness, precision, lovely minerality, a melodious feel, and well-controlled power. On the palate, the wine shows notes of juicy/fresh blackberry, fresh/vibrant blackcurrant and, more lightly, roasted-yet-fresh raspberry, alongside touches of star anise, blue plum, as well as Mediterranean hints, black pepper, toasted notes, a subtle touch of grill, sense of place (local biotope), and a very discreet note of pine needles and dark chocolate. The tannins are flavorful and supple. A touch of Bourbon vanilla on the finish.

Plush, warm and inviting in style, this red offers a broad, caressing and steadily rolling wave of plum sauce and boysenberry reduction that combines seamlessly with black tea, cocoa and roasted apple wood notes. There’s a licorice snap echo on the finish. For those that like a little bling with their wine. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2027 through 2040.