Chateau Pavie Macquin 2016

The 2016 Pavie Macquin is a total stunner. Rich, lush and inviting, 2016 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal, lavender and mint are all given an extra kick of allure by silky tannins that caress the palate from start to finish. There is a level of precision and nuance here that is simply breathtaking. The purity of the fruit is just mind-boggling.

Possibly the finest vintage of this cuvée to date, the 2016 Château Pavie Macquin comes from a cooler, later terroir on the upper plateau and checks in as 82% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 50% new oak. This deep, inky-coloured effort boasts a rock star bouquet of black currants, black cherries, white truffle, graphite, and spice. Deep, rich, and powerful on the palate, yet also balanced, elegant, and seamless, with ultra-fine tannins, this seamless beauty needs a decade of cellaring and will keep for 4-5 decades.

This is very linear and driven with a precise and driven center palate. Full-bodied, tight and compact. Energetic and well-formed. Give it at least five years. Try from 2024.

This juicy wine wears its alcohol lightly, contrasting the tannins and firm structure with freshness and acidity. Blackberry flavours dominate along with attractive perfumes. Drink this impressive wine from 2025.

Deep garnet-purple in colour, the 2016 Pavie Macquin charges out of the glass with gregarious black cherries, warm blackberries and wild blueberries scents followed up by loads of red roses, baking spices, cedar chest and unsmoked cigars sparks plus a waft of wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, revealing layer upon layer of cherries and berries flavours and tons of savoury nuances, framed by firm yet exquisitely ripe tannins, finishing very long.

Engaging, with a gush of warm raspberry, plum and boysenberry compote flavours leading the way, while red licorice, apple wood and sweet tobacco notes strut through the finish. Nice intensity overall gives this a mouthwatering echo and pulls you back for more. Best from 2023 through 2038.

One of the coolest terroirs of St-Emilion, with clay and limestone at a height of 77m, on one of the highest spots of the plateau. It has a punch of cool blue fruits, with rippling tannins and a whirl of freshly cut mint on the finish. You will need to be patient, but expect to be richly rewarded. 70% new oak.