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Tasting notes
60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 24 months in French oak (80% new). Subtle nose. Green and pinched on the palate. Hard tannins that aren't fading as quickly as the primary fruit seems to be. Good length though, and there is appeal here for those preferring a less intense version of Pavie. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The aromatics hit immediately with sandalwood, cedar and gunsmoke, along with sweet baking spices, cocoa and coffee bean, muscular and full of estate signature. An important vintage, as this was the year that Pavie was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, and certainly it makes an impression, with a layered mix of opulent black fruits and tight oyster shell and sea spray salinity. 80% new oak for ageing, 28hl/h yield. Gerard Perse owner, Michel Rolland consultant, Jean-Baptiste Pion winemaker.
Black label to commemorate their promotion to Premier Grand Cru Classé 'A'. In general, 2012 bordeaux are starting to sing now. There's dark chocolate, bitter cherry, sweet spice and very chewy texture on the palate. Just enough accessibility, and will likely improve further. (RH)
The 2012 Pavie has a lovely bouquet, one of the best on the Right Bank, with gorgeous brambly red fruit, fig and black truffle, developing a Left Bank like personality with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a vibrant entry, nicely poise and focused, touches of pencil lead threaded through the red fruit with a nicely structured finish. Very seductive. Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index's Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
About the producer
The slopes of Château Pavie were planted as far back as the fourth century by the Ancient Romans and it has been a well-known producer in Saint-Émilion since the middle of the 19th century.