CHÂTEAU PAVIE MACQUIN

The 2019 Pavie Macquin is exotic and beguiling right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, white truffle, leather, tobacco, blood orange, cedar and mint all meld together in the glass. As always, Pavie Macquin is defined by its sumptuous fruit, plush contours and total allure. Pavie Macquin is not exactly subtle, but it sure is delicious. Drinking range: 2027 - 2044 Rating: 95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Feb 2022)

Rich and deep in colour, this is inky damson, layered and luscious in its aromatics, both restrained and generous, performing the limestone magic trick of push and pull, giving and taking. Blackberry, blueberry and liquorice upfront, with the tannins bristling and muscular but well honed and discreet. As it softens through the mid palate, the creamy fruits arrive, and you relax for a moment because the grip is turned on again. This will close up soon, as the 2016 has done, but right now is singing with liquorice, black chocolate, blackcurrant, turmeric, spiced black truffles, mandarin peel and slate. Totally lives up to its En Primeur brilliance. 50% new oak. Part of the outstanding vintages series within this vertical. Drinking range: 2028 - 2044 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, Decanter (Jan 2022)

Composed of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Pavie Macquin was harvested from the 23rd of September to the 11th of October. Yields were 47 hectoliters per hectare this year with about 90% of the production going into the grand vin. Deep garnet-purple in color, the wine opens with the most tantalizing perfume of lavender, lilacs and forest floor, giving way to a core of crushed blackberries, baked plums and blueberry preserves plus wafts of licorice and bay leaves. The full-bodied palate offers layer upon layer of black fruits and earthy nuances, sporting a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing with great length and depth. About 5,500 cases are anticipated to be made. Rating: 95-97 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (Jun 2020)