Château Pavie Macquin 2024

Complex nose of blackberry, black cherry, cassis and plum, topped by delicate floral notes, iris blossoms, subtle mocha; on the palate compact and dense yet featherlight, great drive, the finest tannins, the gripping acidity adds further structure; the wine shows freshness, elegance and a very good aromatic length, finishing on sour cherry and redcurrant. A Pavie Macquin full of finesse that will be a joy at every stage of its life.

Radiant and really lively red berry fruits – a touch of cranberry and just-ripe strawberry with really clean, straight acidity that gives this lift but also some tension. Well built, tannins are integrated and this is just all about the fruit with some mineral aspects around the sides. Juicy, lively, fun, fresh and joyous. Not plush but textured enough. Will need a bit of time to soften but this is characterful and full of personality. 3.3 pH. A yield of 42 hl/ha.

Black raspberries, licorice, espresso, cherries, and plums already leap from the nose. There is purity, elegance, and lift to all the red fruits in the aroma and on the palate. The finish is juicy, crisp, and vibrant, with a vivid aftertaste. The wine blends 84% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13% ABV, 3.35 pH. The harvest took place October 3 - October 8. Drink from 2029-2044. 92-94 pts

(84% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon) The nose is fruity, elegant, straightforward, fresh, deep, and offers a certain intensity/concentration. It reveals notes of violet, purple plum, and bright/shiny blackcurrant, and more lightly small red berries, blueberry, a hint of elegantly roasted red fruits, as well as fine hints of lilac, smoke, and delicate notes of warm vegetation. The palate is beautifully guided, juicy, supple, elegant, offering lovely energy, a tangy backbone, and a melodic, voluptuous, delicate yet powerful profile. On the palate, the wine expresses notes of juicy/pulpy red cherry and juicy/bright blueberry, and more lightly cornflower, combined with touches of bright raspberry, as well as fine hints of sweet blond tobacco, nutmeg, a subtle hint of bergamot, sweet spices, infusion, and Mediterranean scrub. A beautifully complex wine. The tannins are nicely plush and racy. A subtle hint of blood orange in the background. Very fine grain on the nose. Purity and voluptuousness. Beautiful tang. Tenderness. Lovely density for the vintage.

Up on the limestone plateau of St Emilion, the whole game in 2024 has been how to handle the austerity without rendering things too tight. Here they have got the balance right - delicate, sappy, drawn out, vivid blackberry and cassis fruits with hidden density, nothing overt but plenty of power and grip. 3.3ph, harvest 3 to 8 October. 42 hl/ha, touch of saignée. Harvesting entirely in October, from 3 to 8, Stéphane Derenoncourt consultant with Nicolas Thienpont.

Deep, purple colour. Very aromatic nose with a faintly sanguine note. Hints of citrus. Precise on the attack, very flavoursome through the mid-palate, the wine melts deliciously across the palate, long, with a touch of liveliness that will integrate with ageing. Blend: 84% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol: 13%. Yield: 42 hl/ha. Production: 69,000 bottles.