Pavie Decesse 2008 (750ML)

95 JD / 94+ RP / 94 JS

The 2008 continues to show beautifully, and it's certainly in its prime drink window. Lots of ripe black cherry fruits, truffly earth, tobacco, chocolate, and chalky minerality define this beauty, and it's full-bodied, with a round, expansive, opulent mouthfeel, ripe yet still present tannins, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. A gorgeous Saint-Emilion, it has another 20 years of prime drinking ahead of it. - Jeb Dunnuck

Another top-notch effort, the 2008 is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc produced from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare. It reached 14% natural alcohol, no doubt because of the extremely late harvest. A deep purple color is accompanied by massive notes of blackberries, incense, fruitcake, camphor and toasty oak intermixed with a crushed chalk-like minerality (a hallmark of this vineyard). The wine has softened considerably in bottle, and while it seems more structured than the 2010, it reveals a degree of accessibility. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035. - Robert Parker

Lovely fruit with chocolate and berries and raspberries. Full and round fine silky and elegant. Very fresh and long. Beautiful. I like the freshness. Try it in four to five years. - James Suckling