| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (14.3% alcohol). It possesses a certain approachability, which is somewhat disarming for the big, robust, super-concentrated and ageworthy style Pavie has favored since 1998. The opaque purple-hued, full-bodied 2011 offers a sweet kiss of kirsch, blackberry, cassis and licorice, but no evidence of toasty oak despite the fact it is bottled about six months after most other premier grand cru classes in St.-Emilion. One of the most complete wines of the vintage, this superstar possesses gorgeous texture and opulence, and can be drunk in 3-4 years, or cellared for two decades.
Pavie made a balanced, pretty wine in 2011 that shows subtle character but firm tannins. Its smoky, coffee and berry character is impressive, but the tannins are silky and polished. Try in 2017.
The 2011 Pavie is deep garnet in color. It slowly emerges from the glass with notes of cast-iron pan, black olives, garrigue, and damp soil giving way to a core of juicy blackcurrants, prunes, and black truffles. The full-bodied palate is very tightly wound with bright black fruits and ferrous sparks, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins and beautiful tension, finishing long and minerally.
Well, well, well. After two monstrous (to me at least) wines in 2009 and 2010, this is a Pavie that I could actually drink, if not necessarily buy. Yes, it's ripe and voluptuous, with masses of tannin and concentration, but there's a seam of freshness running through the wine, too. Thick and dense, but balanced. 10+ years.
Dark, saturated colour. Very ripe with blackcurrant and raisined fruit notes. Concentrated fruit on the palate, a touch Port-like but handles the powerful tannic structure of the wine. A bold, long-term statement. Drink 2020-2035
Another terrific success for the flagship estate (a 92-acre vineyard situated on the famed limestone and clay-rich slopes of Cote Pavie) of Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The harvest took place between September 20-30, with final yields of a mere 28 hectoliters per hectare. The natural alcohol is 14.3%, and the 2011 may be the biggest, richest, most massive wine of the vintage. With thrilling levels of concentration, tremendous purity, high but sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, and terrific intensity, depth and palate presence, this larger-than-life effort will require 5-8 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly over the following 25-30 years.
The Pavie was picked from 20th until 30th September. Usually there is an explosion of fruit from the glass...but not this time. It is more succinct in 2011, drawing you in to the seductive, pure, cassis and dark berry fruits laced with blueberry and a touch of soy. The palate is full-bodied and very well balanced with ripe tannins, good acidity and great harmony. There is less of a vice-like grip than the 2010 and of course, great persistency and purity on the mouth, though those tannins are drying on the finish (as usual.) will require a decade in bottle. Note the plus sign. Tasted April 2012.
Fabulous aromas of blackberries and cassis. A purity of fruit here. Full body, with silky tannins. Powerful finish. Muscular for the vintage. Gorgeous. I like the brightness and clarity to it.
