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Pavie 2011

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A

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Tasting Notes

The 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (14.3% alcohol). It possesses a certain approachability, which is somewhat disarming for the big, robust, super-concentrated and ageworthy style Pavie has favored since 1998. The opaque purple-hued, full-bodied 2011 offers a sweet kiss of kirsch, blackberry, cassis and licorice, but no evidence of toasty oak despite the fact it is bottled about six months after most other premier grand cru classes in St.-Emilion. One of the most complete wines of the vintage, this superstar possesses gorgeous texture and opulence, and can be drunk in 3-4 years, or cellared for two decades. (95+)

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2014

Another terrific success for the flagship estate (a 92-acre vineyard situated on the famed limestone and clay-rich slopes of Cote Pavie) of Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The harvest took place between September 20-30, with final yields of a mere 28 hectoliters per hectare. The natural alcohol is 14.3%, and the 2011 may be the biggest, richest, most massive wine of the vintage. With thrilling levels of concentration, tremendous purity, high but sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, and terrific intensity, depth and palate presence, this larger-than-life effort will require 5-8 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly over the following 25-30 years.

Score: 93 - 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2047 27 April 2012

The Pavie was picked from 20th until 30th September. Usually there is an explosion of fruit from the glass…but not this time. It is more succinct in 2011, drawing you in to the seductive, pure, cassis and dark berry fruits laced with blueberry and a touch of soy. The palate is full-bodied and very well balanced with ripe tannins, good acidity and great harmony. There is less of a vice-like grip than the 2010 and of course, great persistency and purity on the mouth, though those tannins are drying on the finish (as usual.) will require a decade in bottle. Note the plus sign. Tasted April 2012. (92-94+ Points)

Score: 92 - 94

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

Slightly lower yields than 2010. Gentle aroma of sweet dark, dusty fruit pure with evident oak char and chocolate. Very firm and chewy grip but there's a softness in the mouth that is striking for Pavie. Dense and dark but with a fluid flourish at the end and good length. Enough freshness to balance. Lots of matière then the oak char comes back on the finish. A bit too dense for pleasure at the moment. (JH)

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2035 24 April 2012

Dark, saturated colour. Very ripe with blackcurrant and raisined fruit notes. Concentrated fruit on the palate, a touch Port-like but handles the powerful tannic structure of the wine. A bold, long-term statement.

Score: 17 - 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2035 16 April 2012

Very ripe, but also very focused, with a distilled raspberry essence racing from start to finish, while extra licorice snap, blueberry coulis and plum pâte de fruit notes fill in the background. Long and velvety through the finish. A beautiful effort for the vintage.

Score: 92 - 95

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 11 April 2012

Fabulous aromas of blackberries and cassis. A purity of fruit here. Full body, with silky tannins. Powerful finish. Muscular for the vintage. Gorgeous. I like the brightness and clarity to it.

Score: 94 - 95

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012