Area under vines: 37 hectares
Soils: clay-limestone
Average age of the vines: 43 years
Production: 8000 cases a year
Ageing: 18 to 24 months in new barrels
Grape varieties:
Second wine: Aromes de Pavie
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The 2014 Pavie is one of my preferred vintages of the decade, perhaps because the growing season put a leash on its power. It has a forward and generous nose, but there is clearly as much complexity as the Figeac that precedes it: dark berry fruit, iron filings, cedar and just a hint of tobacco. Quite involving. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, harmonious and pliant, decent acidity with a silky smooth, persistent finish. This has some way to go. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2040
The 2014 Pavie is clearly the star of Gerard Perse’s portfolio this year. The aromatics are the most complex and absorbing, a mixture of red and black fruit, graphite and black truffle, a faint marine influence emerging as it unfolds in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and demonstrates less substance and glossiness than the Bellevue-Mondotte. In fact, if you had this blind you might describe it as a more "classic" Saint Emilion, underpinned by quite firm tannin that provide this with impressive backbone. There is a toughness to this Pavie, but it retains balance. It has its sights set on longevity and for that we will have to wait, but it will be worth it.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2050
