The 2018 Pavie is a remarkable Bordeaux Blend from the prestigious Saint Emilion region in Bordeaux, France. This wine showcases the expertise and craftsmanship of the renowned producer, Pavie. With a deep garnet-purple color, it immediately captivates the eyes, hinting at the intensity and complexity that awaits.
On the nose, the 2018 Pavie unveils an abundance of ripe plum and blackberry fruit, creating a mesmerizing aromatic profile. As the wine opens up, additional layers of licorice and old balsamic-vinegar notes emerge, adding depth and intrigue. It is a true delight for the senses.
This wine impresses not only with its rich and beautifully balanced palate but also with its unexpected elegance, considering the warm vintage. The bold tannins give structure and backbone, culminating in a long and satisfying finish. While it can be enjoyed now, it is recommended to wait until 2025 to fully appreciate its potential.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded the 2018 Pavie an impressive score of 95 points. He describes it as bold, beautifully balanced, and surprisingly elegant. Lisa Perrotti-Brown of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate echoes this sentiment, giving the wine an outstanding score of 99 points. She praises its opulent black and blue fruits, exotic spice sparks, and remarkable tension. Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also gives it a score of 99 points, highlighting its intense color, incredible depth of flavor, and perfect ripeness.
Decanter, with its 96-point rating, commends Pavie for practicing restraint in a vintage known for its massive tannins and alcohol. The wine carries the weight of the vintage with finesse, building power subtly. Jeb Dunnuck, with a perfect score of 100 points, declares the 2018 Pavie as one of the wines of the vintage. He praises its richness, depth, and grandeur, as well as its backward and inward style reminiscent of the legendary 2000 vintage.
Wine Spectator awards this wine an impressive 98 points, noting its packed flavors of raspberry, plum, and boysenberry compote. The fine chalky threads and flashes of apple wood, anise, and violet add complexity and finesse.
In conclusion, the 2018 Pavie is a wine that embodies the spirit of excellence and craftsmanship. It is a true gem from Bordeaux, deserving of its stellar reputation and high praise from critics. With its depth, complexity, and age-worthiness, it promises to delight wine enthusiasts for many years to come.