Château Pavie Saint-Emilion 2006

BN#213586

Château Pavie

Château Pavie has diverse terroirs. Terroir typical of the Saint Emilion limestone plateau composed of clay-limestone soil on an asteriated limestone subsoil. Located at an altitude of approximately 85 metres above the Dordogne River - Terroir called “milieu de côte” (middle of the slope) located approximately 55 metres above the Dordogne and composed of very fine brown limestone.

Wine Advocate

The 2006 Pavie, a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, is cropped low as the viticultural work is impeccable, the winemaking is thoroughly Burgundian in style, and bottling is accomplished with no fining or filtration. With over 90 acres in vine, this is one of the larger of the premier grand cru classes in St.-Emilion. A prodigious effort, the 2006 does not have the sucrosite of the 2005, 2003, or 2000, but it would not be embarrassed if tasted side by side with either of those two titans. A dense purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of crushed black currants, licorice, wet stones, and subtle background oak are found in this tannic, dense, masculine-styled 2006. Backward and extraordinarily pure, it is built like a Manhattan skyscraper with exceptional focus, depth, texture, and length. It’s all here, but 5-10 years of patience will be warranted. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.

Score: 96. —Robert Parker, February 2009.

Wine Enthusiast

Always ripe, always velvety and dense in texture, Pavie’s 2006 nevertheless also shows more structure and elegance than in the past few vintages. The result is a great wine, with smoky, rich fruit and a dense, concentrated core of sweet tannins, chocolate and fresh raspberry flavors. While it is seductive now, it really needs many years of aging.

Score: 95. —Roger Voss, March 01, 2009.

Wine Spectator

Very pretty and precise on the nose, with vanilla, blackberry and floral aromas. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a racy finish. A bit lean, but solid and well-structured. Best after 2012.

Score: 92. —James Suckling, June 30, 2009.