About the Wine

The history of the Pavie estates on the right bank of the Dordogne river dates back to the Roman era, when vines were planted there. Fast forward to the 1800s, and the Pavie estate was broken into three different parcels: Pavie, Pavie-Macquin and Pavie-Decesse.

The modern era of the Pavie estate dates to 1989 when Gerard Perse acquired the property and installed an aggressive modernization program. New vines, a polished Chateau, an updated winery and cellar and the hiring of Michel Rolland and other famous oenologists to consult on how to make Pavie the best property in St. Emilion. It now ranks alongside Ausone and Petrus as a top property, not only in the Right Bank, but all of Bordeaux and the world. Indeed, Pavie is now considered one of the benchmarks for Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended wines in the world.

The vineyard is planted to 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The top wine tends to rely on a hefty dose of new French oak, which is much loved by the likes of Robert Parker. Since 2000, Chateau Pavie has seen more than half a dozen 100 point scores from various critics.

Any serious collector of Bordeaux would be fortunate to have Pavie in their cellar for near or long-term enjoyment. It's a tour-de-force wine.

Tasting Notes: See Critical notes below.

Reviews

Pure perfection in a glass and unquestionably one of the great vintages for this cuvée, the 2015 Pavie is a blend of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 80% new French oak. Sharing some similarities with the 2009, this tour de force sports a saturated purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, white truffle, and licorice. Its oak is perfectly integrated and balanced by this wine’s massive fruit and structure. Full-bodied, deep, and superbly concentrated, with building tannins, it’s a massive wine by any measure, but what sets it apart is that it still glides across the palate and retains an incredible sense of purity, balance, and elegance. It’s drinking well today due to the vintage’s opulence, yet won’t hit prime time for another 5-10 years and I suspect will keep for upward of 50 years. ~100 Jeb Dunnuck

An inspirational wine that shows the evolution of great new wines from St.-Emilion where they've gone from too much wood to perfect balance of fresh and dark fruits and mineral and terroir-driven character. Full-bodied and muscular but so balanced. Drink in 2025 but so wonderful now. ~100 James Suckling

In 2015, the blend is 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the wine was matured 80% in new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Pavie is still sporting a bit of its oak to begin, giving way to a glorious nose of crushed black cherries, blackberries and mulberries plus hints of dried roses, stewed tea, unsmoked cigars and garrigue. The rich, concentrated, full-bodied palate delivers an incredible structure of very firm, very ripe tannins and a racy line of freshness cutting through the dense layers of perfumed black fruits and savory notions, finishing with epic length.~98 Wine Advocate

This start off richly, featuring beautifully rendered layers of fig, boysenberry and plum pâte de fruit flavors coursing through. The structure is refined and integrated, with a light chalky edge adding tension and vivacity while being absorbed by the fruit. The finish has pyrotechnics of anise, black tea and singed mesquite that are formidably long. Best from 2025 through 2045. 5,833 cases made. ~98 Wine Spectator

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2015 Pavie is dense, powerful and seamless. A huge, spherical wine, even for the year, the 2015 exudes depth. Even with all of its intensity, the 2015 retains striking freshness and nuance, with plenty of bright red stone fruit and floral notes taking center stage. The super-extracted, oak-driven style that was such a Pavie signature a decade ago seems to be giving way to a more refined approach that showcases fruit, richness and purity. This is a superb showing from Gerard Perse and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland. ~95-98 Vinous Media

Although this wine is ripe, it is the fruit that sings. Firm and rich, the tannins support the wonderful fruitiness. Its perfumed Cabernets give the wine great presence as well as freshness. It is ready for long aging. Drink from 2027. ~96 Wine Enthusiast

***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of This Wine***