Aromas of reduced blackberry and blueberry with black licorice and dried flowers. It’s full-bodied with chewy yet polished tannins and a long finish. A little tight and reserved now, but shows intensity and focus. Powerful. Merlot with 10% cabernet franc. Try after 2026.

(98+ points) From an incredible terroir on the upper plateau, just above Pavie, the 2018 Château Pavie Decesse is a normal blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in mostly new French oak. Its dense purple color is followed by an incredibly classic limestone-driven bouquet of chalky minerality, white flowers, truffle, lead pencil, and cassis and blackberry-like fruits. This carries to an incredibly pure, full-bodied Saint-Emilion with nicely integrated acidity, flawless balance, building tannins, and a great finish. This remarkable, elegant yet powerful 2018 won't hit full maturity for another 10-12 years, but it's a magical Saint-Emilion that should live for 30-40 years.

(97+ points) Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with a pH of 3.57 and 14.52% alcohol, the 2018 Pavie Decesse is deep garnet-purple in color, bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of stewed black and red cherries, plum pudding and blackberry preserves, leading to an undercurrent of Indian spices, cardamom, camphor and star anise, plus a waft of woodsmoke. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with black fruit preserves and exotic spices, supported by a firm, velvety texture and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering menthol note. It is absolutely scrumptious right now, but give it 4-5 years or more in bottle for experiencing that next-level, and drink it over the following 25+ years. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Powerful, full-bodied, deep and concentrated, the display of espresso, black and blue fruit, smoke and licorice on the nose and palate comes along with a gorgeous salty minerality which adds complexity. The wine is tannic, firm, fresh and focused. This will require time to come around, so be prepared to wait at least 7 or more years before everything comes alive. The wine is made from blending 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2018+Pavie

A stunner, with waves of cassis, creamed raspberry and plum reduction that are thoroughly seductive while staying focused and driven thanks to a deeply imbedded graphite edge. There's melted licorice, sweet toast and warmed anise notes for extra sparkle throughout, while the fruit just pumps on the through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2040. – JM

Always one of my favourites in the Perse stable, this is once again delicious. Chewy tannins are joined by ripples of coffee and soft brambly fruits, subtly shifting gear as it moves through the palate. The average age of the vines here is 51 years old, which helps to give depth of flavour. There's a sense of straining against the barricades here, with the fruit being firmly held in check by the tannins. It's not going anywhere soon. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-pavie-decesse-st-emilion-grand-cru-classe-2018-29378#dTWW0VrbfpR2F2ZG.99