2017 Chateau Pavie, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Case of 6 btls

Wine Advocate | 99 Points

"There was no frost in the vineyard in 2017, due to its situation high upon the limestone plateau. Composed of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, which was harvested from September 25 to October 3, the 2017 Pavie is very deep garnet-purple in color and rolls slowly and sensuously out of the glass with growing scents of Black Forest cake, black plum preserves, blueberry compote and fruitcake plus suggestions of melted chocolate, licorice, crushed rocks and Indian spices with a waft of violets. Full-bodied, the palate packs a powerful punch, laden with electric layers of energetic black and blue fruits. All this decadent fruit is supported by fantastic freshness and very, very ripe, velvety tannins, finishing with epic length. Location, location, location was everything in 2017. Pavie has one of the most enviable locations in all of Bordeaux and boy-oh-boy does it show in this spectacular wine."

Jeb Dunnuck | 99 Points

"The wine of the vintage, the 2017 Chateau Pavie is an incredible achievement and is certainly in the same league as past great vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2016. This hillside terroir escaped from the frost unscathed, and the 2017 is 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in mostly new oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a rock star bouquet of pure creme de cassis, espresso roast, crushed violets, graphite, and a distinct sense of minerality. Deep, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has a wonderful sense of elegance, flawless balance, and again, awesome purity. This sensational effort has some upfront charm yet, given the tannins, a solid 7-8 years of bottle age are warranted and it should cruise for 25-30 years in cool cellars"

2017 Château Pavie is one that punches way above what most expect from the vintage!

While much of Bordeaux dealt with frost, Pavie’s position high on the limestone plateau kept it untouched. This south facing hillside of limestone, clay, and fractured rock is one of the most prized sites in Saint Émilion, delivering power and precision year after year.

The result is a wine that has been called the “wine of the vintage” and is regarded in the same league as Pavie’s benchmark years like 2000, 2005, 2009, and 2010!

In the glass, it is everything you want from Pavie. Deep, layered, and expressive, with black plum, cassis, blueberry, and dark chocolate, followed by crushed rock, graphite, and spice. Full bodied and powerful, and balanced with freshness and energy.