Along with several other Medoc first-growths as well as Ausone in St.-Emilion and possibly Petrus and Lafleur in Pomerol, few estates have such a record for consistent quality as Gerard Perse’s Chateau Pavie. Made from a classic blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 was cropped at a ridiculously low 26 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest occurred between October 12 and 19. Surprisingly, the alcohol is only 14.2% which is actually less than the 2008 and 2009. Since Perse acquired this estate in 1998, most Pavies have possessed off the charts richness and the 2010 is no different. It also reveals an opaque purple color, abundant notes of roasted coffee, blackberries, cassis, full-bodied power and sensational density, texture and length. There is also a boatload of tannin, so do not expect this 2010 to provide near-term consumption. Somewhat reminiscent of the 2005 in its freshness, precision and intensity, it requires 7-10 years of cellaring and should keep for 3-4 decades thereafter. I had this wine on four separate occasions and would rank it slightly behind the 2000, 2005 and 2009.
95-98+/100 Punkte - Trinkreife: 2018 – 2058
70 % Merlot, 20 % Cabernet Franc, 10 % Cabernet Sauvignon. 28 hl/ha. 14,5 Vol.-%. Sattes, dunkles Purpur mit lila Schimmer. Florales, geradliniges Bouquet, vielschichtig, aber noch recht reserviert, Buchentöne, Waldhimbeeren und rote Kirschen, das alles mit einem delikaten Schuss Kirsch und Mokka gemischt. Dicht im Gaumen, wohlgeformt mit arrondierten Gerbstoffen, viele Fruchtfacetten, Malz, Schoko und Kandisnuancen im langen, erhabenen Finale. Die Tannine verlangen nach mindestens 15 Jahren Flaschenreife.
19/20 Punkte - Trinken: 2020-2050
2010 Château Pavie - 1. Cru classé B St. Emilion 0,75l. 299,95 €