Chateau Pavie, Saint Emilion, 1er Grand Cru Classé “A”, Bordeaux, 2016 Tasting notes

I tasted the Pavie in the tasting room of the chateau overlooking the vines and in the presence of the owner the rather shy Gérard Perse. The Dutch connection worked well as Perse’s wife is from Sneek, in the northern parts of the Netherlands. Perse has traveled a lot in the Netherlands and it we all enjoyed catching up on memories together.

Aromes de Pavie (17,5 points)
[66% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon]

In line with he last decade the color is intense deep, bordering to black. Fairly expressive nose with some hints of red and black fruit and some coffee. A very powerful wine true to the style of Pavie. More on the power than on the elegance. Sample strongly influenced by the oak barrels.

Chateau Pavie (19 points)
[60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon]

The color is Pavie’s signature intense purple, almost black wine. On the nose there is an expression of ripe, almost jammy (cooked) fruit. Sample a bit less overpowered by the strong influence of the oak than previous years. Tannins are less overpowering than previous vintages. Good expression of some red and lots of black fruit, showing itself after the wood-influence fades away a bit. Good length.