6867 Chateau Pavie 2014 Saint-Emilion

Established on the splendid “Côte Pavie”, the vineyard of Château Pavie was planted by the roman in the 4th century who first saw the incredible potential of this terroir. The history of the property goes back to 1850 when the Pimpinelle estate was owned by Mr Fayard and Mr Chapus who, thanks to their work, managed to obtain a gold medal at the Paris World Fair.

Less than ten years later, it was bequeathed to Ferdinand Bouffard, a Bordeaux merchant who, in twenty years, managed to build up a 50-hectare estate by buying up several properties. Just after the war, it was bought by Albert Porte when Ferdinand Bouffard passed away. By unifying the properties of Mr. Bouffard, he created Château Pavie (The name comes from a particularly sweet and juicy peach variety that was growing on the slope).

Alexandre Valette took over in 1943 and succeeded in raising it to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé B in 1955. His grandson, who had taken over in 1957, sold it to Gérard Perse in 1998 who is still the owner today. Thanks to major investments in both the vineyard and the cellar and to additional work towards maturity and precision, the latter managed to raise his estate to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé “A” during the revision of the classification of Saint-Emilion wines in 2012.

The magnificence of Château Pavie comes from its exceptional terroir (37 hectares planted in one block) made of limestone, clay and sand-clay, with over 80 meters of altitude variation offering a multitude of micro-terroir, with mostly south exposure, where the typical grape varieties of the right bank (Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon) achieve perfect maturity.

Winemaker Notes

Blend: 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Critical Acclaim

Vivino 4.6

96 points James Suckling

Incredible blueberries, violets, fresh wild mushrooms and sandalwood. Dried tannins. Full-bodied, yet tight and refined with a beautiful center palate of fruit and chalk character. Love the pinpointed palate. Excellent acidity. 

96 points Wine Spectator

This gushes with boysenberry, açai berry and blackberry confiture notes, but they are quickly harnessed by fine chalky minerality that stays well-buried throughout, imparting mouthwatering cut despite the copious fruit. Presents lavish spice, licorice, fruit and minerality. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. 

95 points Wine Enthusiast

This is a perfumed ripe wine, packed with generous tannins that still give a style and elegance that is a remove from the older overripe style of Pavie. It is balanced, complex and with great potential. The wood and the tannins are in harmony with the black fruits. With its structure, it will certainly age well. Drink from 2027.

Cellar Selection

95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate