2006 Château Pavie-Macquin - St.-Emilion

A lovely, fresh, juicy wine that has a delightful lilt to its fruit. Red and black berries intermingle easily with a core of firm tannins. New wood is a major part of the firm texture, but never too dominant. This is a finely structured wine, already well developed.

From a superbly situated on St.-Emilion’s plateau, 38-acre vineyard planted on primarily limestone and clay, this 2006 is meant for long-term aging. A combination of 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a backward, brawny, muscular, long distance runner. Consumers lacking patience are advised to steer clear of this wine. Its dense purple color is followed by aromas of graphite, sweet cassis, pen ink, and charcoal. This powerful, dense, concentrated wine possesses high tannins and lots of structure. One of the more backward offerings from the right bank in 2006, it will not be close to drinkability for 8-10 years. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030. 92+

Blackberry, nutmeg and cappuccino aromas follow through to a full body, with very soft, round tannins and ripe fruit. Juicy and rich. Classy. Best from 2014 through 2020.

Terroirs are the expression of a place, a witness to history. Infinitely rich and varied, their complexity is expressed through their biological, geological, topographical and climatic characteristics. Precious and fragile, they are the greatest thing that nature offers us and they cannot be imitated. Their quality is an irreplaceable ingredient in the production of great wines. To produce great wines in the image of a terroir: the idea is simple but the practice requires patience and humility.