Mike Supple, JJ Buckley
January 2007
Startlingly dark, intense purple core with a violet flecked rim. Strong dark fruit aromas flow from the glass: blueberry, black cherry, plum, blackberry. Heavy tones of cedar and sweet tobacco come through the fruit, highlighted by a warm caramel and black licorice note. The tannins attack the very front of the palate, and spread quickly through the whole mouth. Red fruits are very prominent, with swirls of ripe raspberry fading in to bright red cherry. Dry, intense bakers chocolate and roasted coffee balance the rich fruit, leading to a firm yet lingering finish of vanilla, raspberries and cranberries. This is a dark and intense wine that is just now beginning to come in to its own. Decant to enjoy now or put it down for several years to allow the ripe tannins to smooth out the voluptuous nature of this wine.

98 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
April 2006
This 92-acre vineyard, which enjoys an impeccable southern orientation, is composed of limestone on the upper slopes, clay and limestone in the middle, and sand and clay at the base. Proprietor Gerard Perse, who has done a brilliant job since acquiring the estate in 1998, continues to push the envelope of quality to higher and higher heights. Planted with 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes receives kid glove treatment with hand-harvesting into small plastic lugs, two triage tables, and aging for 28 months in 100% new oak that is purchased in advance, then air-dried and coopered according to Perse’s specifications. In short, the man is a perfectionist, and the quality of all the estates he owns has soared dramatically.

97-100 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
April 2005
While not as massive and concentrated as the 2000, this is one of the vintage’s top efforts. A stunningly complete wine of irrefutable nobility as well as intensity, it boasts an inky/purple color along with an extraordinary perfume reminiscent of a liqueur of rocks, black cherries, creme de cassis, and flowers. Full-bodied with superb freshness, intensity, concentration, and length, this elegant offering reveals a striking minerality, which no doubt comes from the exceptional south-facing limestone and clay soils of this renowned terroir. Production will be about 7,000 cases, and the natural alcohol reached 13.5%. There are huge amounts of sweet tannin in addition to fresh acidity and a laser-like focus. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030+.

96-100 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
April 2004
An off the chart effort from perfectionist proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2003 Pavie was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare. A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a wine of sublime richness, minerality, delineation, and nobleness. Representing the essence of one of St.-Emilion’s greatest terroirs, the limestone and clay soils were perfect for handling the torrid heat of 2003. Inky/purple to the rim, it offers up provocative aromas of minerals, black and red fruits, balsamic vinegar, licorice, and smoke. It traverses the palate with extraordinary richness as well as remarkable freshness and definition. The finish is tannic, but the wine’s low acidity and higher than normal alcohol (13.5%) suggests it will be approachable in 4-5 years. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2040. A brilliant effort, it, along with Ausone and Petrus, is one of the three greatest offerings of the right bank in 2003.

96 points, Wine Spectator
July 2006
Dark purple. Shows intense aromas of raisin, coffee and treacle tart. Very, very ripe. Full-bodied, superrich and velvety. This is so layered and powerful. Blockbuster. Best after 2008. 7,500 cases made. –JS

About 2003 Pavie Bordeaux Blend

About the Winery Pavie
"Gérard Perse (already at Montbousquet and Pavie-Decesse), has returned this property to its former glory. It is situated on the most beautiful hillside of Saint-Emilion, with chalky-clay terroirs, and sandy-clay terroir at the foot of the hill. The wines are of excellent quality,lively and immediately attractive, but which should be kept for at least ten years..."

About the Wine
55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

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