2016 Chateau Pavie Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe (A)

The history of the Pavie estates on the right bank of the Dordogne river dates back to the Roman era, when vines were planted there. Fast forward to the 1800s, and the Pavie estate was broken into three different parcels: Pavie, Pavie-Macquin and Pavie-Decesse.

The modern era of the Pavie estate dates to 1989 when Gerard Perse acquired the property and installed an aggressive modernization program. New vines, a polished Chateau, an updated winery and cellar and the hiring of Michel Rolland and other famous oenologists to consult on how to make Pavie the best property in St. Emilion. It now ranks alongside Ausone and Petrus as a top property, not only in the Right Bank, but all of Bordeaux and the world. Indeed, Pavie is now considered one of the benchmarks for Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended wines in the world.

The vineyard is planted to 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The top wine tends to rely on a hefty dose of new French oak, which is much loved by the likes of Robert Parker. Since 2000, Chateau Pavie has seen more than half a dozen 100 point scores from various critics.

Any serious collector of Bordeaux would be fortunate to have Pavie in their cellar for near or long-term enjoyment. It's a tour-de-force wine.