2021 Chateau Pavie Macquin Saint Emilion Grand Cru

Château Pavie Macquin isn’t just another Saint-Émilion estate—it’s a piece of history. Named after Albert Macquin, a pioneer in the world of viticulture, this chateau has roots deep in Bordeaux’s rich past. Macquin was the man who saved Bordeaux (and much of Europe) from the phylloxera epidemic by grafting vines onto rootstocks. Because of him, the vineyards you love still thrive today.

Fast forward to now, and Château Pavie Macquin is owned by the Corre family and Marie-Jacques Charpentier, who have steered this estate toward modern greatness. The real turning point came in the 1990s when famed consultants Stéphane Derenoncourt and Nicolas Thienpont joined the team, with the 1998 vintage marking a complete transformation. The wines became richer, deeper, and more expressive, putting Pavie Macquin on the map as one of the top names in Saint-Émilion.

At 15 hectares, this vineyard is no small player. The vines sit on the iconic limestone and clay soils of the Right Bank, right next to some of the region’s most legendary neighbors: Troplong Mondot, Pavie, and Trotte Vieille. It’s a mix of warm southern slopes and cooler northern patches that make for a perfect blend of terroirs.

The grapes? A masterful combination of 80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, all organically grown. The vineyard is dense, with 6,600 to 8,888 vines per hectare, some of which are over 60 years old. Every vine counts here, with meticulous care given to replanting using the traditional selection massal technique, ensuring only the best vines thrive.

2021 is looking to be a good vintage for Bordeaux. Vinous Media gave it a 92-94 points, and said: " The 2021 Bordeaux have turned out to be such a surprise. The best wines offer a striking combination of old-school classicism with modern-day precision."