Pavie Macquin 2001

Sweet and sour cherries in addition to spicy oak, crushed stones, flowers, and underbrush make up the complex aromatics found in this open-knit, well-developed Pavie Macquin. While it does not reveal the weight or concentration of such top vintages as 2003, 2000, and 1998, it is still a substantial wine. Give it another 1-3 years of cellaring, and consume it over the next 12-13 years. As the 2001 sat in the glass, it reminded me of a premier cru from the Cote d’Or.

The colour is beginning to soften and turn russet pink around the edges, and the aromatics are moreish and enticing, with sweet tobacco, bacon rind, campfire smoke and charcoal. A vintage I love, and this is totally living up to my expectations, with a gentle power that builds through the palate, salinity exemplified, with the blueberry, raspberry puree and saffron character that is such a signature of older Pavie Macquin. 80% new oak that by now is smoky, stretched out, langorous, gentle. Part of the classic vintages series within this vertical, and I can't recommend highly enough. Don't expect fireworks, this is subtle but rewarding.

Quite aged rim. Sweet and ripe and round – not desperately subtle but an attractively early drink. Tannins definitely there but not forced. Quite long.