2003 Château Pavie - St.-Emilion (1.5L)

The 2003 Pavie (7,080 cases; 13.5% alcohol) is closest in style to the 2000, but slightly more evolved and exotic. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, creme de cassis, melted licorice, espresso roast, and blackberries. The wine, which hits the palate with a dramatic minerality, comes across like a hypothetical blend of limestone liqueur intermixed with black and red fruits. With massive depth, richness, and body, this tannic 2003 should be forgotten for 4-5 years, then enjoyed over the next four decades. The integration of acidity, tannin, and wood is flawless, and the wine is incredibly pure, rich, and intense.

The Pavie terroir produces wine which is characterized by remarkable power. Fermentation temperatures are kept moderate and the wine does not stay too long on the skins in order to preserve finesse. The wine's natural richness and strength nevertheless makes malolactic fermentation and ageing possible in 100% new oak barrels.