Vintage
The year began with mild winter weather, which was followed by a spring with alternating spells of rain and quite high temperatures for the season, which brought an early vine vegetation growth. A hot, dry summer then set in, causing vine shooting to slow down. The water reserves built up from the winter rain enabled the vines to cope with the water stress and avoid any suffering. A fine Indian summer then followed with hot days and cool nights ensuring that the vineyard remained in excellent health. Late September we were able to pick the grapes at optimal ripeness in excellent conditions
Growing methods
Pruning down to 8 buds for the old vines and to 6 buds for the young vines. Thinning, leaf-stripping. Grapes picked and sorted by hand.
Vinification
Temperature-controlled wooden vats. Malolactic fermentation in barrels.
Harvest
21/09 to 30/09
Aging
75% new oak , 25% one year old barrel for 18 months
Surface area
37 hectares
Average age of the vines
32 years
Blend
50% merlot, 34% cabernet franc, 16% cabernet sauvignon
Yields
31 hl/ha
Tasting notes
Pavie! Premier Grand Cru Classé A!
Over thirty hectares of vines perfectly situated on a bedrock of limestone that defies both time and the vagaries of the climate. In short, a great terroir!
The 2020 displays an opaque, dense, bluish-purple hue, so much so that it’s difficult to see through the glass. Showing incredible viscosity, the wine coats the inside of the glass, its deep-coloured tears trickling slowly down the sides.
The aromatics are precise and very intense.
Candied black fruits, redcurrant jelly, crème de cassis -all the fragrances emanating from the ripeness levels both sought and desired are there.
The ageing in oak has endowed the concentrated fruit aromas with a powdery touch. Empyreumatic notes, such as toasted bread and an elegant smoky hint come through well.
This is a ripe, rich wine. Its development over time will be magnificent, since the fruit already shows through even after a long period of carefully-managed ageing in barrel.
Through its combination of optimal ripeness, density and length of flavour, there’s no doubt that this vintage will figure among the great Pavie classics!
On the entry to the palate, which is crisp and persistent, our taste buds go into overdrive in excitement. A dense, firm texture develops, which is customary for Pavie and a clear sign of the wine’s youth.
The tannins are still lively and tight-grained, but perfectly coated and partnered by the flesh of the wine. This mid-palate is both balanced and opulent at the same time. It’s a superb vintage combining generosity with the energy of a balancing freshness.
A vigorous finish is underpinned by very fine Cabernet Franc. This touch of freshness gives the wine extra length of flavour.
The palate also offers attractive bitter notes which create the balance in the flavours.
The whole is nicely ripe and in a register that is both fine and rich.
A very good vintage. In a few years’ time we’ll be raving about it!
Commentary by David Biraud
World's Best Sommelier Competition 2016 - Best Craftsman of France Sommelier 2004
