2017 Pavie
By Chateau Pavie
2017 Pavie by Chateau Pavie, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
The 2017 vintage in Bordeaux faced early promises and challenges in equal measure, with late spring frosts dramatically reshaping the landscape of the vintage. Yet, it is precisely this adversity that underscores the triumph of the 2017 Pavie by Chateau Pavie, which emerges as a resplendent exemplar of resilience and finesse.
A Vintage Defined by Elegance and Precision
Chateau Pavie's prestigious terroir, with its limestone plateau offering excellent drainage and sun exposure, showcased an enviable advantage during 2017's testing conditions. The result is a concoction brimming with precise fruit flavours married with masterful structure, a testament to the estate's virtuosity in winemaking.
The 2017 Pavie from Chateau Pavie presents a melange of dark cherries and blackberries interwoven with an aromatic bouquet of violets and subtle oak nuances. On the palate, it weaves an intricate tapestry of plum and tobacco notes, seasoned with a dash of minerality – undeniably a reflection of its Saint-Emilion roots.
An Astute Investment Endeavour
For the fine wine investor, the allure of the 2017 Pavie lies not only in its immediate delectable charm but also in its promising age-worthiness. Its tightly knit tannins and harmonious acidity suggest a wine that will unfurl majestically over time, enhancing its investment appeal.
While some may overlook a vintage like 2017 in favour of more exalted years, therein lies an opportunity for the astute collector. This particular nectar stands as a paragon of skillful crafting amid adversity and offers those who dare delve beyond perceptions a treasure worthy of both adoration and contemplation.
Conclusion: A Metaphor for Triumph Over Tribulation
In sum, the 2017 Pavie by Chateau Pavie symbolises triumph over tribulation, yielding a vintage that resonates with vibrancy and promises an excellent trajectory for maturation. It emerges as not merely a reflection of Saint-Emilion's splendour but a beacon for discerning investors seeking gems within Bordeaux's storied landscape.
Market price (HKD)
HK$20,660.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
113.68
Scores and tasting notes
There was no frost in the vineyard in 2017, due to its situation high upon the limestone plateau. Composed of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, which was harvested from September 25 to October 3, the 2017 Pavie is very deep garnet-purple in color and rolls slowly and sensuously out of the glass with growing scents of Black Forest cake, black plum preserves, blueberry compote and fruitcake plus suggestions of melted chocolate, licorice, crushed rocks and Indian spices with a waft of violets. Full-bodied, the palate packs a powerful punch, laden with electric layers of energetic black and blue fruits. All this decadent fruit is supported by fantastic freshness and very, very ripe, velvety tannins, finishing with epic length. Location, location, location was everything in 2017. Pavie has one of the most enviable locations in all of Bordeaux and boy-oh-boy does it show in this spectacular wine.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
There was no frost in this vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation, and grapes were harvested September 25 through October 3. Composed of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, the very deep purple-black colored 2017 Pavie has a profound nose of crushed blackcurrants, warm black plums and black forest cake with nuances of licorice, espresso, Chinese five spice and violets plus wafts of smoked meats and garrigue. Full-bodied, rich, firm, velvety and packed solid with black and blue fruit layers accented by sparks of exotic spices and floral scents, it finishes very long and incredibly layered. This is a very unique expression of this vintage.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
This is very velvety with a very pretty density and richness. Full body and chewy tannins. Focused and tight on the finish. Succulent and savory, too. Shows strength and subtlety at the same time.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Pavie is very good, but it is also a bit somber in this vintage, almost as if the lack of sun during the summer speaks through the wine. Wild cherry, blueberry jam, leather and spice add to an impression of darkness. The 2017 finishes with real density and power to round things out. I can't wait to see how the 2017 develops over the next year.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
Dark and admirably ripe, with layers of fig and blackberry compote liberally infused with tobacco, licorice snap and fruitcake flavors. Shows some heft through the finish, but there’s enough energy to keep this moving along. A long, subtle echo of chalk is alluring.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
The 2017 Pavie, picked from 25 September and matured in 80% new oak, comes in with 14.61° alcohol and a pH of 3.61. It has a clean, pure bouquet with blackberry, briary, cedar and pencil lead aromas, the latter emanating from the Cabernet Sauvignon. This is one of the bouquets that you might mistake for a Left Bank due to the high Cabernet content. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, layers of black fruit are laced with tar and tobacco – a far less opulent Pavie than recent vintages. Grippy and assertive, a more masculine Saint-Émilion compared to its peers, quite saline towards the finish. It is a Pavie for long-term ageing. Patience required.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18