2021 Château Pavie

The 2021 Pavie is a potent, brooding wine that is going to need time to be at its best. Floral and spice notes confer freshness on the bouquet. In this tasting, the 2021 feels a bit tight. I doubt that will be an issue in another few years' time. Structurally, the 2021 is a touch lighter than most recent vintages, but the identity is there. The move towards more Cabernet in the blend since 2019 has markedly changed the character of Pavie. The 2021 is on the linear side today. I can't wait to see how it ages.

- Antonio Galloni (12/2023)

Very complex with red currants, iodine and iron. Medium-bodied, with a dense yet energetic palate and a long and racy finish showing chalk and gunpowder. Flinty. 52% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 18% cabernet sauvignon. Tight at the end, suggesting at least four to five years of cellaring. Drink after 2029. (07/2024)

As to the Grand Vin, the saturated ruby/purple-hued 2021 Château Pavie defies the vintage with its ripe, powerful aromatics of cassis, toasted spice, chalky minerality, graphite, and hints of truffly earth. A rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, incredibly textured 2021, it has velvety tannins, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. It's a testament to the talent and work of this incredible team and is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. The 2021 is based on 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, hitting 14.14% alcohol and a pH of 3.67. It’s going to age for 20-25 years if well stored. (04/2024)

The 2021 Pavie has a deep garnet-purple color. It is very closed to start, needing a lot of coaxing and swirling to reveal notes of fresh black plums, black raspberries, and wild blueberries, plus underlying hints of lilacs, crushed rocks, forest floor, and jasmine tea. The medium-bodied palate is taut and tense, with latent, energetic notes of red, black, and blue berries intertwined with mineral and floral notes, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing long and perfumed. So, so pretty! (04/2024)

Blackberry and black cherry compote flavors bring a restrained juiciness, while floral, singed apple wood and black tea notes fill in liberally. The finish extends nicely, with a long, underlying chalky minerality. An admirable effort for the vintage. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2025 through 2040.

- J.M.