1999 Pavie
By Chateau Pavie
1999 Pavie by Chateau Pavie, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
The remarkable 1999 Pavie from Chateau Pavie remains a compelling chapter in the annals of fine Bordeaux. At the threshold of the new millennium, this vintage encapsulates an era in Saint-Emilion marked by a blend of tradition and forward-thinking viniculture. The year 1999 was one that gifted winemakers with moderate conditions: an amiable spring paving the way for a summer free from extremities, concluded by an untroubled harvest season.
An Investment in Terroir-Driven Excellence
Investors and connoisseurs scrutinize each vintage keenly, and the 1999 iteration is one that continues to offer both enchanting complexity and assured longevity. Extracted from the limestone-rich soils of Saint-Emilion, Chateau Pavie's adept handling of this vintage has materialized into a wine with refinement and structure that stands shoulder to shoulder with Bordeaux's finest.
Distinct Vintage Characteristics
The 1999 Pavie embodies the quintessence of its terroir with an opulent bouquet of ripe blackberries, laced with undertones of truffle and tobacco. At its core sits a well-rounded structure, allowing for graceful aging without relinquishing the lush fruit character. Tannins, once robust and youthful, have mellowed to create a satin backdrop for the interplay of fruit and earthy notes. This particular maturity cycle distinguishes 1999 from its brethren vintages which often sought immediate gratification, rather than the rewarding patience required here.
The palate is greeted with a harmonious blend—cassis matched with hints of dried herbs and the subtlest touch of oak imparted during its sojourn in barriques. The result is a testimony to Chateau Pavie's masterful approach to capturing a distinctive expression of time and place.
A Venerable Vintage for Vigilant Vivants
In summary, this critically acclaimed 1999 Pavie offers collecting aficionados an investable asset that balances provenance with poise. This particular vintage dances elegantly between maturity and vivacity—a true testament to the prowess of Chateau Pavie in sculpting wines that resonate with both time-honoured tradition and astute adjustment to yearly climatic ballets. Merchants seeking to enrich their portfolio with a sterling example of Saint-Emilion's heritage need look no further than this singular expression from the closing verse of the twentieth century.
Market price (SGD)
$3,530.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
141.33
Scores and tasting notes
The 1999 Pavie is a candidate for "wine of the vintage". It boasts an opaque ruby/purple color in addition to gorgeous aromas of crushed minerals, smoke, licorice, cherry liqueur, and black currants. The wine is exceptionally pure and multilayered, with stunning texture and overall balance. The tannin level suggests 3-4 years of cellaring is warranted; it should age gracefully for 25+ years. If readers are wondering why Pavie has become so much better under the administration of Chantal and Gerard Perse, keep in mind that yields are one-third of what they were under the previous owners.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #140 April 2002
This wine has a very youthful color and seems to be close to full maturity, without the density of the 1998, or its successor, the perfect 2000. It has abundant foresty notes, plenty of spice box, blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, some background toasty oak, medium to full body and sweet tannin. A very delicious wine, it offers a complex and fragrant style. It should be drunk over the next 12-15 years
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2015
Tasted at the Bristol Commanderie dinner. Poured from magnum, the Pavie '99 has a very similar bouquet to the bottle poured in London a few months earlier: macerated dark cherries, creme de cassis, liquorices and a touch of shell fish with fine delineation. The palate is rounded and sensual with no signs of over-ripeness and demonstrating good structure, particularly considering its age. It just misses a little cohesion towards the finish, the panache of the '00, but that is in keeping with what at the end of the day, was an average growing season. Tasted November 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2011