Restrained and yet generous, showing contrasts in texture and in architecture. Still knitted down with chalky tannins that give resistance on the palate, and here you feel cooler blue fruits that reflect the longer growing season, along with cigar box, saffron, chalk, juicy lemongrass and mandarin. Part of the cool vintages series within this vertical. 80% new oak.

Dark core with bold bright fuchsia colors in the rim. Light cedar and spices play over vanilla and clay with rich red and blackberry fruit aromas. Very nice structure on the palate with a great balance of fruit and tannins. Rich but not overbearing with a streak of minerality keeping it together through the long finish.

The 2006 Château Pavie Macquin has a ripe, sensual bouquet with copious kirsch and blueberry scents, fine tension and poise, a faint whiff of boot polish in the background. The palate is very elegant on the entry, pure and supple in the mouth, succulent with vivid black cherry and dark plum notes. It is that keen line of acidity cutting through the fruit that takes this Saint Emilion to a higher level and it comes highly recommended. Tasted February 2016. - Neal Martin