2010 Pavie
By Chateau Pavie
2010 Pavie from Chateau Pavie, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The 2010 Pavie from Chateau Pavie is one of the shining beacons in the firmament of fine Bordeaux wines, standing as a bastion of quality from the storied slopes of Saint-Émilion. My seasoned palate recalls with clarity the illustrious climatic conditions that blessed Bordeaux a decade ago—a year that wine investors regard as delivering some of the most structured and age-worthy vintages.
A Testament to Terroir and Tenacity
Indeed, it is the backbone of this vintage—robust tannins and precise acidity—that frames my admiration for the 2010 Pavie. Such structural elements point towards an indubitable longevity, a key consideration for oenophiles contemplating investment in such a noteworthy year. The astute investor will acknowledge this potential for splendid evolution, which is already shown by how beautifully it unfolds in the glass today.
Meticulously Crafted for Patience
The 2010 Pavie's bouquet swells with the dark fruit profundity expected from a premier Grand Cru Classé—a mélange of ripe blackberry and cassis notes intertwined with suggestions of lavender and graphite that whisper of its noble origin. Upon tasting, one is greeted by the elegance and depth characteristic of Chateau Pavie, layered complexities unfurling like a tapestry woven with meticulous threads of flavour.
In this particular vintage, one discerns an additional degree of concentration, a hallmark of the year's lower yields due to optimal weather conditions, which culminated in a bounteous September harvest. It presents a serene harmony between amplitude and finesse—a real sense of terroir speaking convincingly through each sip.
There is no doubt in my mind that the 2010 vintage from Chateau Pavie remains a distinguished example of what dedicated viticulture paired with an exceptional year can achieve. After years of careful cellaring, its potential is only beginning to be realized, making it an exquisite choice for collectors. In every dimension—whether for pleasure or portfolio—it is a cultivation of both taste and tenacity commemorated in each bottle.
Market price (USD)
$3,973.70
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
162.75
Scores and tasting notes
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Pavie delivers tantalizing suggestions of candied violets, star anise and tapenade over a core of prunes, blueberry compote, Morello cherries and fruitcake with touches of underbrush and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and exotically opulent, the palate has a rock-solid texture of velvety tannins and bold freshness supporting the generous palate of black and blue berry preserves, finishing long and fragrant.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 5 March 2020
Amazing aromas of blackberries and chocolate. Then dried herbs and sweet tobacco. Wonderful. Full body, with a wonderful density and richness. It goes on for minutes. Tannic and structure but incredible. Very savory. This needs at least 10 years. Superb. This is not quiet as complex as 2005 or as harmonious, but it is super quality. Yes.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 2013
Painfully powerful, backward and super-concentrated, this 2010 is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 26 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest, as usual, was late by the standards of the appellation, occurring between October 12 and October 19. The alcohols are surprisingly modest by 2010 standards, 14.2%. As usual, this is one of the top wines of the vintage, but it needs a good decade of cellaring. It is much more backward and restrained than the 2009 was at the same stage, and seems even more tannic and structured than the 2005. It is a monumental wine for true connoisseurs who have the patience and discipline to cellar it for a good decade. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2060+. This great terroir dominates the Cote Pavie, which is a combination of decomposed limestone and more gravelly soils at the bottom of the slope. Kudos to proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse for continuing to push the envelope of quality and ignoring their jealous critics.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011
The Chateau Pavie 2010 is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, cropped at 28hl/ha. There is just a slight touch of over-ripeness on the fig tinged nose. Again, its is very dense and opulent. The palate is incredibly powerful with mouth-coating dry tannins, good acidity and attractive purity coming through on the finish. Very difficult to taste now, perhaps due to the late malolactics, an impenetrable Pavie that will demand serious ageing. Drink 2022- Tasted March 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011