Pavie 2007

Along with Lafite Rothschild, Ausone, and l'Eglise Clinet, Pavie is one of the wines of the vintage. An inky/purple color is accompanied by notes of creme de cassis, kirsch, graphite, and toast. A massive wine for the vintage, the 2007 Pavie is very full-bodied with extraordinary intensity, power, and richness. Its structure and tannin suggest 2-4 years of cellaring is required, and it should evolve for 25 years thereafter ,an unusually long aging curve for most 2007s. Yields were 25 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine is a classic blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The natural alcohol level came in at 14%. Drink 2012-2037.

A deep black/purple colour. The nose is very backward, good definition but perhaps just a degree over-ripe with touches of plum jam and tinned prune becoming evident with aeration. The palate is full-bodied with super-ripe tannins, very good depth and persistency with a vibrancy that I found missing in the 2006. Very pure on the multi-layered finish with great focus. I have to admit, this is really very good for the vintage. Tasted April 2008

Very perfumed, with a mineral and floral character, as well as dark fruit. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Solid and well-structured for the vintage

The 2007 Pavie is deep garnet with a touch of brick. It is a little broody to start, offering notes of charcoal, fertile loam, and crushed rocks before opening out to a core of stewed cherries and baked plums plus a hint of truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate coats the mouth with black and red berry layers plus loads of savory sparks, framed by lightly chewy tannins, and finishing on a lingering chalky note.

I have already written about my enthusiasm for this wine when I tasted it blind. This was my note: Very deep crimson. High volatility. Masses and masses of purple. Very heady and rich - shows the 2007 signature of under-ripeness not at all. Absolutely pushed to the limit of ripeness with lovely balancing freshness and well handled tannins. A very successful juicy, refreshing wine that seems out of the 2007 mould. Presumably picked very late but with good work on the tannin management. Finishes a little suddenly but definitely superior. With some real core and concentration to it.And here's what I wrote when tasting it sighted at the château: Very dark. Lively, sappy, gentle, not too dry. Lots of fruit but supple too. Not hot or sweet. Very zappy and sappy. Picked 8-13 Oct, ie later than most, but not exaggerated. Cool finish. Long, slow ripening (145 days). No excess of warmth. 65% new oak. 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Good full red-ruby color. Musky raspberry, licorice and bitter chocolate on the nose. Broad, full and ripe, with an enticing restrained sweetness to its flavors of black raspberry and minerals. Finishes vibrant and long, with sweet tannins enrobed by the wine's fleshy fruit. This is around 14% alcohol-and a great success for the vintage.

Out in front this year with Ausone. Deep purple-black hue. Lovely rich, spicy, dark fruit aroma. Real concentration of layered fruit on the palate with firm but fine tannins behind. Overall freshness and balance on the finish. Harmonious wine with both power and finesse. Drink 2015-2030. 4 stars.