Pavie Macquin 2021 (750ML)

Pavie Macquin farms a cooler site just above Château Pavie, on asteriated limestone, and the 2021 carries that signature to the end. Merlot picking began on October 4 and the Cabernet came in by October 19, at 37 hl/ha, with about 80% of the crop kept for the grand vin: 79% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermentation ran 30–35 days on skins in open-top wood and concrete, followed by aging in 50% new French oak. Black cherry, blueberry and bilberry fill the nose, with licorice and a faint glint of orange peel. More forward and textured than usual for this estate, it still has firm grip, an upright line and a crisp, mineral close. It should be approachable sooner than most vintages here, and critics see it lasting into the 2050s. Finish a meal with it alongside aged Comté, Mimolette or Beaufort.