Pavie Decesse 2018 (750ML)

96-98 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Grapes for this wine come from the plateau and were harvested October 3 with yields of 32 hectoliters per hectare. Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with a pH of 3.57 and 14.52% alcohol, the 2018 Pavie Decesse is deep purple-black in color and strides confidently out of the glass with a very serious nose of crushed blackberries, warm black plums, mulberries and cassis plus touches of camphor, lavender, black olives and crushed rocks with a waft of woodsmoke. Full-bodied and laden with taut, muscular black fruit and loads of mineral accents, it has a firm structure of super ripe, finely grained tannins and amazing freshness, finishing very long and very layered." 4/19

92-95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Pavie-Decesse is laced with the essence of blackberry jam, grilled herbs, spice, leather and tobacco, all of which add to an impression of brooding power. This massively tannic, backward Saint-Émilion is going to require patience, but there is certainly plenty to look forward to. In 2018, Pavie-Decesse impresses with its vertical intensity and pure power." 4/19

98 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Aromas of reduced blackberry and blueberry with black licorice and dried flowers. It’s full-bodied with chewy yet polished tannins and a long finish. A little tight and reserved now, but shows intensity and focus. Powerful. Merlot with 10% cabernet franc. Try after 2026." 02/21

96 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "A stunner, with waves of cassis, creamed raspberry and plum reduction that are thoroughly seductive while staying focused and driven thanks to a deeply imbedded graphite edge. There's melted licorice, sweet toast and warmed anise notes for extra sparkle throughout, while the fruit just pumps on the through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2040." 03/21

94 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "Always one of my favourites in the Perse stable, this is once again delicious. Chewy tannins are joined by ripples of coffee and soft brambly fruits, subtly shifting gear as it moves through the palate. The average age of the vines here is 51 years old, which helps to give depth of flavour. There's a sense of straining against the barricades here, with the fruit being firmly held in check by the tannins. It's not going anywhere soon." 4/19

98+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "From an incredible terroir on the upper plateau, just above Pavie, the 2018 Château Pavie Decesse is a normal blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in mostly new French oak. Its dense purple color is followed by an incredibly classic limestone-driven bouquet of chalky minerality, white flowers, truffle, lead pencil, and cassis and blackberry-like fruits. This carries to an incredibly pure, full-bodied Saint-Emilion with nicely integrated acidity, flawless balance, building tannins, and a great finish. This remarkable, elegant yet powerful 2018 won't hit full maturity for another 10-12 years, but it's a magical Saint-Emilion that should live for 30-40 years." 03/21