2022 Château Pavie

The 2022 Pavie was picked from 19 September to 1 October at 31hL/ha and matured in 75% new oak. The estate now comprises 42 hectares as it has absorbed Pavie-Decesse and Bellevue-Mondotte, ergo, these names are no more. This demonstrates a little over-ripeness on the nose: macerated black cherries, kirsch, cassis and a touch of fresh prune. Does that translate across onto the palate? Actually, no. It is undoubtedly decadent and rich, but it retains balance and delivers a very velvety texture, with mouth-filling tannins. Powerful and yet undeniably harmonious, it feels plush and luxuriant on the finish, with a touch of dark chocolate lingering on the aftertaste. I am intrigued to revisit this after bottling and, because of the aromatics and not the palate, I err on the side of caution, though repouring, it feels slightly fresher. 14.47% alcohol. NB It comes in a specially-designed engraved bottle without a label. - By Neal Martin (04/2023)

Intense aromas of cherries and spices. Full and layered without being heavy. It starts large and rich, but the tension and tannins tighten down. It's structured and powerful. Velvety, edgy tannins. Very salty at the end. Like an unpolished diamond. It now includes Pavie Decesse and Bellevue. Slightly overdone but wait and see. 52% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 18% cabernet sauvignon. (2023)

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. (05/2023)

The 2022 Pavie is a blend of 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon with a pH of 3.67. Yields were 31 hl/ha. Deep garnet-purple in color, it erupts from the glass with powerful notes of juicy blackberries, black currant pastilles, and wild blueberries, followed by classic hints of violets, licorice, red loam, wood smoke, and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate delivers fantastic tension between the intense, muscular black fruit flavors and a lively backbone, framed by beautifully ripe, rounded tannins, finishing long and fragrant. Superb. (05/2023)