Château PAVIE 2016
On the southeast slope of Saint-Émilion, Château Pavie occupies a spectacular terroir combining limestone plateau, clay-limestone hillsides, and more sandy-clay areas at the foot of the slope. Owned by Gérard Perse since 1998, the estate has established itself as one of the major references of the appellation and was elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" status in the 2012 classification. The relief, largely south-facing exposure, and geological diversity allow precise adaptation of each grape variety to its environment. Merlot notably finds its place in the coolest areas, while Cabernet Franc thrives on the clay-limestone soils of the slope. Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from the warmer and well-drained zones at the foot of the hillside. This complementarity contributes to the deep and structured character of Pavie, whose wines combine concentration, maturity, and remarkable aging potential. The 2016 vintage offers a particularly accomplished expression of this terroir, with significant richness supported by freshness that gives vitality to the whole.
Château Pavie 2016 blends 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. Manual harvesting, accompanied by rigorous sorting, took place from October 10 to 20, after a hot and dry summer followed by favorable autumn conditions for prolonged ripening. Vinification is carried out in thermoregulated wooden vats, allowing precise control of fermentation and extraction. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in barrels. Aging lasts twenty-four months, with 80% new barrels and 20% barrels that have already contained wine. This structure supports the natural density of the vintage while gradually refining a particularly deep tannic framework. The 2016 thus combines power, fruit precision, and freshness, with a structure designed for evolution over several decades.
The color shows a very deep purple hue, still dense and intense. The nose develops a profusion of blackberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry, accompanied by violet, licorice, and fine spices. On aeration, nuances of graphite, cocoa, cedar, and smoke appear, enhancing the complexity of the bouquet. The palate has considerable substance, but its breadth is structured by tight, ripe, and progressively velvety tannins. The richness of Merlot is extended by the tension of Cabernet Franc and the framework of Cabernet Sauvignon, giving the wine remarkable persistence. The finish remains fresh despite the concentration, with a long return of black fruits, spices, and a mineral dimension. Château Pavie 2016 will accompany a matured rib of beef, roasted rack of lamb, pigeon with porcini mushrooms, game birds, or cuisine featuring black truffle.
Grape varieties: 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon
