2011 Pavie
By Chateau Pavie
2011 Pavie from Château Pavie, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The 2011 vintage in Saint-Émilion was one that challenged vintners, offering a year where meticulous attention and sagacious decision-making notably distinguished the finest estates. Château Pavie, a flagbearer of the appellation, presented a rendition of its storied wine in this vintage that gracefully tip-toes on the line between power and finesse.
A Ballet of Complexity and Elegance
The 2011 Pavie proffers an intricate bouquet; scents of crushed blackcurrants and ripened plums pirouette alongside hints of licorice and lavender — an aromatic opening act that is at once persuasive and gracious. On the palate, this vintage delivers a performance of structured tannins allied with a vibrant acidity that echoes the rigor of the climatic conditions of the year. It is an exemplar of the estate's adept handling of such a variable season.
Investment-Worthy Maturation
A wine of such stature emerges triumphantly from caves after years of careful cellaring. Its evolution has been steadfast, with layers unraveling to reveal a complexity once tightly woven into its youthful vigor. Now, as it enters a plateau of maturity, this 2011 Pavie presents an intriguing investment opportunity; a story to be savored now or held close for future chapters to unfold in the glass.
Evidence of unwavering commitment to quality despite the parenthetical embrace by adverse conditions, Château Pavie's 2011 vintage is a testament to tenacious viticulture and enlightened enology. Its tailored robe encases a vitality that invites discerning palates on a voyage through the limestone-led terroir that typifies Saint-Émilion.
For connoisseurs and investors alike looking to pivot their portfolios with Bordeaux excellence, the 2011 Pavie holds promise as a robust addition — an offering poised to ascend in both acclaim and value. It reflects the merits of a challenging season now captured in swirling aromas and enduring tastes; it whispers the tale of its origin year, 2011, and promises those who engage with it an intimate understanding of its journey from vine to veritas.
Market price (GBP)
£2,000.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
133.33
Scores and tasting notes
The 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (14.3% alcohol). It possesses a certain approachability, which is somewhat disarming for the big, robust, super-concentrated and ageworthy style Pavie has favored since 1998. The opaque purple-hued, full-bodied 2011 offers a sweet kiss of kirsch, blackberry, cassis and licorice, but no evidence of toasty oak despite the fact it is bottled about six months after most other premier grand cru classes in St.-Emilion. One of the most complete wines of the vintage, this superstar possesses gorgeous texture and opulence, and can be drunk in 3-4 years, or cellared for two decades.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2014
Pavie made a balanced, pretty wine in 2011 that shows subtle character but firm tannins. Its smoky, coffee and berry character is impressive, but the tannins are silky and polished. Try in 2017.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, January 28th 2014
Another terrific success for the flagship estate (a 92-acre vineyard situated on the famed limestone and clay-rich slopes of Cote Pavie) of Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The harvest took place between September 20-30, with final yields of a mere 28 hectoliters per hectare. The natural alcohol is 14.3%, and the 2011 may be the biggest, richest, most massive wine of the vintage. With thrilling levels of concentration, tremendous purity, high but sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, and terrific intensity, depth and palate presence, this larger-than-life effort will require 5-8 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly over the following 25-30 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #200 April 2012
The Pavie was picked from 20th until 30th September. Usually there is an explosion of fruit from the glass...but not this time. It is more succinct in 2011, drawing you in to the seductive, pure, cassis and dark berry fruits laced with blueberry and a touch of soy. The palate is full-bodied and very well balanced with ripe tannins, good acidity and great harmony. There is less of a vice-like grip than the 2010 and of course, great persistency and purity on the mouth, though those tannins are drying on the finish (as usual.) will require a decade in bottle. Note the plus sign. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012