Château Pavie-Macquin 2022 is a Premier Grand Cru Classé (B) Saint-Émilion from the limestone plateau, where the Corre‑Macquin family works with director Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. The blend is the estate’s typical 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn from clay-limestone soils. In a hot, dry year, Pavie‑Macquin is widely praised for combining concentration with freshness and mineral detail.
The critical consensus is strong, with several excellent reviews at the top of the range. Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider) scored 98 and highlights a “striking perfume” of “cherry blossoms, licorice, black fruits” and a palate of “opulent, silky fruits” with “purity, length, freshness, and seamless finish,” recommending 2028–2060. Jane Anson (janeanson.com) also awarded 98, calling it “one of the wines of the vintage,” and notes the 2022 yield at 31 hl/ha, alongside plateau “clay limestone soils.” Jeb Dunnuck (jebdunnuck.com) goes to 98+ and describes it as “riveting” and “built for the cellar,” citing “crushed stone… and massive amounts of minerality,” plus “building, substantial tannins.”
A more detailed aromatic and textural picture emerges across tastings. Antonio Galloni (Vinous) rates it 97, writing that “inky blue/purplish fruit, licorice, new leather, spice and plum” ride on “plush, seamless tannins and fine balance.” Decanter’s 97-point review finds “no sign of heat or overt oak,” emphasizing “wet stones, graphite and pencil lead” and calling it “extremely classy.” James Suckling (97) focuses on “stones, chalk and sea salt” with “firm and creamy tannins… well curated.”
More restrained, William Kelley (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate) gives 95, calling it “lively, concentrated and controlled,” but “youthfully reticent.” Chris Kissack (The Wine Independent) is lower at 94, noting a “significant tannic construct” that “will need plenty of time.” Overall, expect a powerful, mineral Saint-Émilion with real structure and a long runway in bottle.
