ABOUT THE WINE
The largest Saint-Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classe, with some 37 hectares under vine. Vines were originally planted on the property by the Romans in the 4th Century CE; and the estate was famous in the 1800s as one of the finest wines to come out of Saint-Emilion. However, when the estate was purchased in 1998 by Gerard Perse, extensive work was required to revitalise the estate, work which paid off, first in an extraordinary renaissance in wine-quality from the early 2000s, and then, in 2012, with official recognition as the estate was elevated from 1er Grand Cru Classe B to 1er Grand Cru Classe A. The estate is also 70% organic, and working towards becoming 100%. The wine is fermented in new-oak vats, and aged in 80% new oak for 18 months.
TASTING NOTES
Almost opaque, darkly-coloured, with intense flavours of blackberry, plum, liquorice, spice, truffle and chocolate; balanced perfectly by a crushed-rock, cedar, coffee-bean mineral character, and a lengthy, violet-edged finish. Opulent and compelling.
FOOD PAIRING
Rich meat stews, mushrooms, braised venison.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Chateau Pavie is a wine which rewards and requires age, 15 years is a recommended minimum for a wine of this power and majesty. For this vintage, 2025 is perhaps when it will begin to show at its finest.