Chuck Hayward, JJ Buckley, April 2012

Planted to 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc, this smaller sibling property of Chateau Pavie encompasses 9.1 hectares on chalk-limestone soils. Average vine age is well over 40 years. Aged in 80% new oak. Opaque purple color. The bouquet is subtle at first, with understated fruit and herb notes, slowly opening to riper fruit aromas. The palate veers towards the riper end of the spectrum as shown by blackberry and Raisinet flavors. The backpalate is compact, with some firm yet finely grained tannins. Wait five years for the tannins to meld and drink for the following decade or two. From the Gerard Perse portfolio. Drink 2017-2030. Tasted twice.

93 -94 points,

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 2012

This is wonderful on the nose with floral, blackberry and blue berry aromas. Full and very silky with a long finish. This was very late harvested around the third week of October. Excellent wine for the vintage.

92 -94 points,

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, April 2012

The 2011 Pavie Decesse is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc cropped at 26hl/ha at 14.3 degrees alcohol. It has an extremely ripe bouquet with macerated dark cherries, fig, a touch of fresh prune in the background and an intriguing oyster shell note. The palate is full-bodied with layers of ripe toasty black fruit with sufficient acidity to keep it balanced. It is fresh in the mouth, has a firm grip, but says "Come back after ten years." Huge persistency on the finish! Tasted April 2012.

92 -94 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, April 2012

The 2011 Pavie Decesse exhibits an inky/purple color along with notes of crushed chalk, black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, charcoal and toasty oak. Full-bodied, thick and unctuous (atypical for this vintage) with high tannin, this cuvee had just come out of malolactic fermentation when I tasted it, which undoubtedly accounts for its primary, infantile showing. Nevertheless, it is loaded, multidimensional and impressive, and will require 6-8 years of cellaring. It should keep for 25-30 years.

From the plateau on the limestone hillsides of the Cote Pavie, this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc is fashioned by proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse. There was no problem with ripeness at this estate as the natural alcohol came in at 14.3%.

92 -95 points,

Wine Spectator, April 2012

Very sleek and primal, with mouthcoating boysenberry and plum sauce notes pushed by extra fig, ganache and toasted spice. Long and velvety through the finish, with a depth and mouthfeel that sets this apart. An impressive effort.-J.M.

About Winery

Château Pavie Decesse, a St.Emilion Grand Cru Classé property is now producing wines the equal of its illustrious brother Chateau Pavie. Both properties were previously owned by the Valet family until they were purchased by Gérard Perse, owner of Château Monbousquet, in 1997. Pavie-Decesse is situated in the heart of the Côtes sub-district of St. Emilion, with the vineyards being planted on chalky, clay soils.

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