Pavie Macquin 2019 (750ML)

96+ Points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate: "The 2019 Pavie Macquin has turned out very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, cherries, burning embers, black truffle and licorice, framed by a deft framing of new oak that's more discreet than was the case even a few vintages back. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's deep and layered, with a strikingly vibrant core of fruit, powdery, chalky tannins and a long, penetrating, youthfully firm finish. Tasted alongside older vintages, it's clear that the Thienpont team have eased off extraction, which allows the quality of fruit that this fantastic vineyard produces to express itself all the more completely, delivering the finest Pavie Macquin since 1998." 04/22

95-97 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2019 Pavie Macquin feels very tight on the nose at first and certainly from my sample bottle, I allowed it 15-20 minutes to open. Eventually it reveals very intense scents of black cherries, cassis and crushed violet, touches of blood orange in the background. The palate has a satin-like texture, almost Vosne-Romanée-like, with extraordinarily pure blue and black fruit. Seamless! There is fine tension on the finish with impressive persistence. This is a seriously good Pavie-Macquin from Nicolas Thienpont and his team." 6/20

"The 2019 Pavie Macquin is exotic and beguiling right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, white truffle, leather, tobacco, blood orange, cedar and mint all meld together in the glass. As always, Pavie Macquin is defined by its sumptuous fruit, plush contours and total allure. Pavie Macquin is not exactly subtle, but it sure is delicious." 02/22

97 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "Lots of roses and dark fruit, such as blackberries and brambleberries on the nose. Full-bodied, yet tight and poised, with real focus and firmness and seamless tannins that run the length of the wine. Minerality and persistence in a cool way. This is very serious for the vintage and for the cellar. Try after 2025." 12/21

97 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "Violet-edged floral attack, hitting you straight up with the full range of concentrated black fruits and spices. Such a great quality wine that stands out from the pack. Full of nuance, just when you think you are done it pushes another flavour into the room. The texture is controlled and precise, with slate edges that slow down its progress through the palate; just all round excellent terroir and winemaking. Tasted twice, a week apart, and its the depth to the palate that really sets it apart, and the mouth-scrapingly slow slate finish." 5/20

95-97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: "While this cooler terroir always yields a more austere wine that requires bottle age, the 2019 Château Pavie Macquin has a wonderful elegance and plushness to its fruit that gives surprisingly upfront appeal. Nevertheless, it has bright acidity, good concentration, and rocking purity of fruit, all pointing toward a good decade before it hits maturity. Dense purple, with lots of cassis, violets, spring flowers, crushed stone, and graphite, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, stunningly polished, silky tannins, and a great, great finish. I'll be a buyer." 6/20