PV Tasting Notes
Gerard Perse is at the leading cutting edge of winemaking in Bordeaux, the grapes and vines receive kid glove treatment throughout the growing season, yields are amongst the lowest of all Bordeaux producers, and he continues to push the qualitative envelope, which has resulted in making both Chateau Pavie and Bellvue Mondotte Modern Day First Growths, this has provoked anger and envy throughout the region. Pavie continues to reach the highest of heights, the 2008 is black/purple in colour with soaring aromatics of charcoal, crème de cassis, espresso, blackberry, black cherry and tobacco leaf. This represents the essence of St Emilion, the palate is totally dense, and yet remains remarkably fresh, with extraordinary richness and definition of flavours, what more is there to say…it’s a blockbuster for sure. Is this the wine of the vintage, I think it might be.
Independent Review95 Points Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate May 2011
2008: A remarkable success in this vintage, Pavie’s 92 acre vineyard situated on the limestone soils of the spectacular south-facing Cote Pavie (one of the greatest terroirs of Bordeaux) was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare. A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an atypical (for a 2008) alcohol level of 14.5% that is higher than in its 2010 counterpart, the opaque purple-colored 2008 exhibits sweet, smoky barbecue notes intermixed with creme de cassis, black cherry, toast and crushed chalk. Deep, intense and full-bodied with surprisingly civilized tannins for such a young Pavie, it reveals wonderful breadth of flavor, a savory texture and a layered mouthfeel. It should drink beautifully in 2-4 years and keep for 25 or more.
96-98+ points – Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate April 2009
Is the 2008 Pavie superior to the 2005 and 2000? While that is impossible to know at this stage of its development, it will certainly be one of the three greatest Pavies made under the administration of Chantal and Gerard Perse. Cropped at a very low 30 hectoliters per hectare, the final blend is a classic Pavie combination of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The 14.5% natural alcohol is the highest ever achieved at this estate. The inky/blue/purple color is followed by a wine with a concentrated, full-bodied texture, a layered mouthfeel, fresh acids, abundant tannin, and a 50-60-year evolution ahead of it. Compared to the enormous, but backward 2005, the 2008 seems even less evolved at a similar stage. Sweet creme de cassis, black cherry, licorice, and smoky barbecue characteristics combine with a liqueur of minerality that resonates from this terroir that is considered to be among the top dozen or so vineyard sites in Bordeaux. This remarkable offering, from a person who has, thankfully, ignored the petty jealousy and unfair criticism of his administration, is another St.-Emilion for your children’s children. For the fact-mongers, this cuvee was hand-harvested between October 13-21, with the grapes put in small plastic containers. Everything is moved by gravity flow, and there is no fining or filtration following a slightly longer than normal aging (28-30 months) in oak casks.