Pavie Macquin 2005

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B

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12 75cl Bottle Case 12 £880 per Case Case [Add to shopping basket]
Tasting Notes

It appears consumers can’t go wrong with any 2005 with the word “Pavie” in its name. This outstanding terroir, elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classe status in St.-Emilion’s reclassification, is run with impeccable attention to detail by Nicolas Thienpont, who is assisted by winemaking guru, Stephane Derenoncourt. The 2005 Pavie Macquin may turn out to be this duo’s finest wine to date. This is a moderately large vineyard (37 acres) for the area, and the blend tends to be 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A black/purple color is accompanied by aromas of charcoal, burning embers, crushed rocks, sweet, pure, blueberries and blackberries, chocolaty creme de cassis, and licorice. It possesses massive concentration, phenomenal levels of tannin, and good acidity, but it is even more backward than either Pavie or Pavie Decesse. A modern day elixir that should prove to be monumental in 15-20 years, it will last for 40+ years.

Score: 98

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2023-2048 30 April 2008

As of 2006, Pavie Macquin is one of St.-Emilion’s new Premier Grand Cru Classes, although the 2006 reclassification of St.-Emilion has been suspended by a Bordeaux judge because of a pending lawsuit from three estates that were demoted (justifiably in my opinion.) Their 2005 may be the finest wine they have yet produced – even better than their brilliant 2000 and 1998. From a 37-acre vineyard, this blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in open top tanks with pigeage, malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and batonnage, all a la Burgundy. It achieved 14.5% natural alcohol, which must be an all-time record at this estate. Over 4,000 cases will be produced. A fascinating wine that reminded me of a top vintage of Ausone, it represents the essence of its terroir as well as richness. Black/purple to the rim with an extraordinary, intense nose of crushed rocks, spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and camphor, it possesses superb depth, huge tannin, and massive concentration as well as freshness (from acidity and definition). This legendary effort should be drinkable in a decade, and last for 35+ years. Out of this world!

Score: 96 - 100

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2042 30 April 2007

Looking more like a young vintage port than a Bordeaux, Pavie-Macquin’s inky/purple-colored 2005 exhibits notes of graphite, melted licorice, espresso roast, crushed rocks, white flowers, blackberries, and creme de cassis. Packed and stacked and stuffed with extract, power, and tannin, this 75% Merlot/20% Cabernet Franc/5% Cabernet Sauvignon blend’s technical numbers are unprecedented. It should enjoy a remarkably long life of three decades or more. The 2005 is capable of challenging this estate’s brilliant 2003 and 2000.

Score: 94 - 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2006

Aromas of licorice and blackberry. Violets. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and lots of berry and cherry character. A blockbuster. Is it better than 2003? We will see. This is monumental.

Score: 95 - 100

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 January 1900

Very dark and shiny/healthy-looking. Extremely opulent nose - almost Napa Valley! Certainly stands out- There is freshness here - in fact almost a hint of green leaves - but there is zest too and actually very very hidden tannins. Herby, aromatic. Quite lightweight but straightforward for early drinking. This has the freshness of 2005 and honest attack. It’s fairly simple though and arguably just too much acidity. Very disjointed between nose and palate at the moment. Some substance though for ageing. Still in malo?

Score: 15

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2012-2019 01 January 1900

A successful estate run by Nicolas Thienpont with Stéphane Derenoncourt as consultant. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Dark in colour with a pronounced nose of super-ripe blackberry and blueberry with hints of prunes and blackberry leaf. A lot of richness on this, this is very bold and opulent in style but with good freshness that manages to keep it in check.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 01 January 1900