Pavie Decesse 2017 (750ML)

98 JD / 97 WA / 97 WS / 96 VM / 96 JS

Coming from a vineyard just above Chateau Pavie, the 2017 Chateau Pavie Decesse is a brilliant blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up all in new oak. It reveals a dense purple/plum color as well as stunning notes of creme de cassis, caramelized black cherries, graphite, crushed rocks, and candied violets. Deep, massively concentrated and powerful, yet with considerable elegance, fine tannins, and outstanding length, it’s a magical wine. Give it 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 20-30 years.-Jeb Dunnuck

There was no frost in the vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. This is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and 100% of the grapes come from the limestone plateau. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Pavie Decesse bursts from the glass with bold notes of crushed black cherries, baked plums and boysenberries plus wafts of licorice, smoked meats and cracked black pepper with a hint of tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers wonderfully concentrated, crunchy black fruits and racy acidity to balance with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and a very long, very minerally finish.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

This is laden with cassis and warmed plum compote notes, infused liberally with violet and anise accents. Gains depth and richness with air, yet maintains a racy edge due to its mouthwatering acidity and perfectly embedded chalky spine on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2040. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 400 cases made.–James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The 2017 Pavie-Decesse is dark, sensual and so alluring. Inky dark fruit, gravel, spice, licorice and incense all flesh out in a deep, beautifully resonant Saint-Émilion that hits all the right notes. Time in the glass brings out the wine's natural breadth so well. This is another absolutely stellar wine from the Perse family.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

This is a very long wine with lots of currant, mushroom, tobacco and bark character. It delivers a full-bodied palate impression with lots of ripe, silky tannins, yet they are always reserved and beautiful. Needs three or four years to open. Try after 2024.-James Suckling