2018 Château Pavie-Decesse

Description

95-97  Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“There was no frost in this vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. One-hundred percent of the fruit comes from the limestone plateau. Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and sporting a very deep purple-black color, the 2017 Pavie Decesse has a drop-dead gorgeous nose of crushed blackcurrants, red roses, black plums and blueberries with touches of tapenade, cigar box and wood smoke plus a hint of cast iron pan. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and incredibly structured with grainy tannins and a lively line supporting the tightly wound fruit, finishing on a lingering mineral note.” (4/2018) Lisa Perrotti-Brown

95-96  James Suckling
“This is very compacted and tight with firm and silky tannins. A focused and intense center palate with excellent dark fruit and a long finish. Tightly wound.” (4/2018)

94-96  Jeb Dunnuck
“From a terroir located just above Pavie, the 2017 Château Pavie Decesse reveals a glass-staining purple color to go with full-bodied aromas and flavors of black raspberries, cassis, liquid violets, and hints of oak. Powerful yet elegant, with building minerality that develops with time in the glass, it stays tight and focused on the palate but has a blockbuster finish. It’s another wine from the Perse family that will check in near the top of the vintage.” (4/2018)

93-96  Antonio Galloni for Vinous
“The 2017 Pavie-Decesse is sensual and alluring. Crème de cassis, inky purplish fruit, licorice, lavender and sweet spice infuse this unctuous, super-expressive Saint-Émilion. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 retains gorgeous freshness and aromatic lift. Hints of jasmine, mint and lavender add attractive top notes to this undeniably racy, sexy Saint-Émilion.” (5/2018)

93-95  Wine Enthusiast
“This wine is structured and concentrated, with powerful dark fruits and a strong mineral texture. It is rich but firm, dominated by a dry core. The ripe fruit will come through later. Drink from 2025.” (4/2018)

93  Decanter
“From 3ha located just below La Mondotte on the higher part of the plateau, there was no frost at this estate (although they managed to select it down to 14hl/ha), and it’s showing extremely well. This is a big wine, and there’s no question that those shoulders are ripe for carrying – a linear conductor of minerality. It’s silky and persistent, with plenty of punch to the liquorice and dark chocolate. Those low yields come from careful selection, and I would have loved to taste this with just slightly higher yields and a touch more juice, but that’s quibbling. No second wine here.”  (4/2018) Jane Anson