Pavie 2022

The 2022 Pavie is the first vintage that subsumes Pavie-Decesse and Bellevue-Mondotte after permission was granted by the INAO. Bottles come with a chic enamel engraving. It delivers a decadent bouquet compared to its peers, with black cherry, blueberry, cassis and violet scents all delivered in Pavie's ravishing style. These are aromatics that want to be noticed. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of succulent ripe red fruit infused with blood orange and graphite notes. This is very structured with a conspicuous, powerful grip and, as such, does not possess the pinpoint crystalline finishes one finds on either Angélus or Ausone, both of which I tasted during the same afternoon. It is an uncompromising Pavie that perhaps tries a bit too hard, but let's see how it ages. I will retaste this blind in a year's time.

Score: 94

Neal Martin, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2065 12 February 2025

Released in a special bottle to celebrate the 25th harvest of Gerard Perse, the 2022 Château Pavie checks in as 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is in line with recent vintages, although one important factor is that both Pavie Decesse and Bellevue Mondot will no longer be produced and will are now incorporated into the Château Pavie. Given the quality of those two releases, I don't see that affecting the quality of the Grand Vin. The 2022 sports a deep, saturated purple hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of ripe cassis, blackcurrants, espresso roast, violets, and chalky minerality. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it has a layered, opulent mouthfeel, velvety tannins, integrated oak, and a great finish. This is another heavenly Pavie that's going to shine with just 5-7 years of bottle age and evolve for 30-40 years or more.

Score: 96 - 98

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 05 October 2023