The 2011 Pavie is a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine is a true gem, with a deep, dark color that is as opaque as night itself. The nose is filled with rich, chalky aromas, complemented by notes of violet, plum, and a medley of red and black fruits. The power and grip of this wine are immediately evident upon the first sip, with fine-grained tannins and high acidity levels that give it structure and longevity.
Produced by Pavie, a renowned winery in Bordeaux, this wine is crafted with meticulous care. The vineyards are planted on 37 hectares of limestone mixed clay and limestone and alluvial sand soils. The grapes, consisting of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, are harvested by hand and yield a low 30 hl/ha. The wine is aged in 80% new oak, adding complexity and depth to the final product.
Critics have unanimously praised the 2011 Pavie for its exceptional quality. Jeff Loo of JJ Buckley awarded it an impressive score of 97, describing it as one of the top wines of the vintage. Wine Spectator also gave it high praise, with a score of 95, noting its focused and ripe flavors of raspberry, licorice, blueberry coulis, and plum pâte de fruit. Neal Martin's Wine Journal awarded it 94 points, applauding its seductive pure cassis and dark berry fruits, good acidity, and great harmony.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate bestowed a score of 95, hailing it as one of the most complete wines of the vintage. James Suckling, in a more recent tasting note, praised its deep and sweet nose of damson plum and amarena cherry, as well as its plush and bold finish.
Although the 2011 Pavie is approachable now, it has immense aging potential. It is recommended to cellar this wine for at least 10 years to fully appreciate its complexity and evolving flavors. However, if you can't resist the temptation, it can also be enjoyed in the next few years. This exceptional wine is a true masterpiece that showcases the best of Saint Emilion and Bordeaux.