2000 Saint-Emilion, Château Pavie
About Producer
Much has been written about how Gérard Perse, with dogged determination, has transformed Château Pavie since he acquired the property in 1998. Pavie’s 37ha vineyard is a single large block that lies on a south-facing slope on the limestone plateau of the Saint-Emilion Côtes, at the highest elevation of the appellation. Massive investments were rolled out to renovate the estate and restructure the vineyard, and no expense was spared to produce the best possible wine on this magnificent terroir. Though some of Gérard Perse‘s actions were bound to court controversy and his wine style is not to everyone’s taste, it’s indisputable that the wines have brilliantly stood the test of time. Pavie is now unquestionably among the best in Saint-Emilion, as confirmed by its Premier Grand Cru Classé A status since 2012.
Varietals
Blend of 60% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.
About Appellation
Saint-Émilion and its vineyards that cover 5,331ha of vines were listed in 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Archeological evidence suggests that vines were planted here in Roman times. From a geological angle, the appellation can be divided in three sections. Close to the town, the limestone plateau sits on chalky and clayey siliceous soils. The northwest corner, that continues westwards into Pomerol, has a sandy layer on top of clay-like soils. Totalling 1,171ha, these two first sections are home to the finest estates of the appellation. The third section is the area south of the limestone plateau towards the Dordogne river that lies on sandy soils with alluvial gravel deposits. Across the appellation, merlot reigns supreme with cabernet franc playing a supporting role.
Tasting Notes
Captivating nose of dark fruits, cedar, liquorice, minerals and forest floor, ample and intense mouthfeel with satiny texture, remarkable concentration and incredible depth, multilayered flavours of ripe berry fruit, black cherries, baking spices, undergrowth and hints of black tea underpinned by a firm mineral backbone, lively acidity and integrated tannins carrying through a long, savoury finish. This is a monumental wine with extraordinary poise and impeccable balance. At 21 years old, it's lusciously intense while keeping unabated its confident drive and aromatic complexity. It’s fascinating to see how this 2000 Pavie, much decried by some sceptics as upstart and ostentatious in its youth, has eventually morphed into a multidimensional wine of majestic elegance, amazing freshness and ethereal purity. Pavie often needs around 15 years to reveal its quintessential beauty. (07/2021)