Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 70% of them new. Although the proportion of new oak barrels is quite high, the cool terroir up on the plateau gives the fruit the structure to carry it.
The 2017 vintage in the Saint-Émilion region was significantly affected by frost. Temperatures dropped below freezing in late April, resulting in the worst spring frost in 25 years; the appellation's yield was 21.7 hl per hectare, less than half of the 2016 harvest. The damage was widespread, and even the best-located terroirs were not entirely spared (wind direction had a major impact on whether damage occurred). Vineyards located at higher elevations suffered less damage than those in lower-lying areas.
In any case, Pavie-Macquin is a late-ripening vineyard, situated on a layer of clay over limestone, and enjoys a cooler microclimate than the neighboring vineyards located lower down the slope. In a year like this, that patience shows. This wine must age in the bottle for several years to reveal its true potential, and it possesses the structure to maintain excellent quality for a long time afterward. It is best enjoyed between till 2042.
Robert Parker (97)
The 2017 Pavie Macquin is deep garnet-purple in color and opens with flamboyant notes of warm black and red plums, black cherries and tilled soil with delicate touches of cloves, star anise, red roses and forest floor. Medium-bodied with a firm backbone of very finely grained, very ripe tannins and tons of freshness, it has wonderfully elegant yet intense fruit layers and a long, minerally finish. Just beautiful.
James Suckling (95)
Very solid center palate of fruit and firm, silky tannins. Linear and bright with a focused and pretty finish. Full-bodied, tight and precise. Very clear and bright.
BOW (9-)
Wine Enthusiast (92)
In a traditionally-shaped bottle with sloping shoulders, this blend is dominated by Merlot. Juicy black fruits are lifted by crisp acidity. At this stage, the tannins are a major element, promising good aging for the wine.
