Chateau Pavie, St Emilion, Grand Cru Classe A- 2016 -750mL

Château Pavie, Premier Grand Cru Classé A 2016

Overview

Château Pavie is one of the most iconic estates in the St. Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France. As a Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate (the highest designation in St. Émilion’s classification system), it produces wines of exceptional quality, reflecting the unique terroir and meticulous craftsmanship. The 2016 vintage of Château Pavie is a standout, benefitting from an exceptional growing season and embodying the estate's signature style of power, precision, and elegance.

History of Château Pavie

The estate traces its roots back to Roman times, with a name derived from the peach orchards ("pavies") that once grew on the property. Under the ownership of Gérard Perse since 1998, Château Pavie has undergone significant modernization, including investments in the vineyard and winery, further solidifying its reputation as one of Bordeaux's elite producers.

Terroir and Vineyards

Château Pavie's 37-hectare vineyard is situated on the limestone plateau of St. Émilion, with steep slopes and varying soil types, including clay-limestone and gravel. The vineyard benefits from exceptional drainage and a unique microclimate that promotes even ripening and contributes to the wine's complexity and longevity.

Grape Composition (2016 Vintage):

• Merlot: ~60%
• Cabernet Franc: ~22%
• Cabernet Sauvignon: ~18%

The 2016 Vintage

The 2016 vintage is heralded as one of the best in Bordeaux’s history, characterized by:

• A wet spring that built water reserves in the soil.
• A long, hot, and dry summer that allowed for slow, even ripening.
• Cool nights that preserved freshness and acidity in the grapes.

The result was a harvest of perfectly ripe, concentrated fruit with excellent balance and structure.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep, inky purple with a nearly opaque core.
• Nose: Intense and complex aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, layered with notes of graphite, truffle, licorice, and espresso. Subtle hints of violets and crushed stones add depth.
• Palate: Full-bodied and opulent, with dense layers of dark fruit, mocha, and spice. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity create a harmonious structure. The minerality from the limestone soils adds precision and elegance.
• Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, with lingering flavors of cocoa, black cherry, and savory herbs.

Ageing Potential

The 2016 Château Pavie is built for the long haul. While it can be enjoyed now with decanting, its firm tannins and vibrant acidity ensure it will evolve beautifully over the next 25-40 years, gaining additional complexity and refinement.

Food Pairing

This powerful and complex wine pairs wonderfully with rich, savory dishes such as:

• Braised short ribs or lamb shanks.
• Grilled ribeye steak with truffle butter.
• Wild game dishes, like venison or boar.
• Aged cheeses, including hard and blue varieties like Stilton or aged Gouda.

Investment Potential

Château Pavie 2016 is a collector’s gem, thanks to its classification as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A and the acclaim of the 2016 vintage. Its rarity and prestige ensure strong demand in the fine wine market, making it a worthwhile addition to any investment portfolio.

The 2016 Château Pavie exemplifies the pinnacle of St. Émilion winemaking, offering unparalleled richness, balance, and complexity. It’s a wine that reflects both its exceptional terroir and the craftsmanship of a world-class estate.