2010 Pavie, St-Emilion (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1067165 98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Painfully powerful, backward and super-concentrated, this 2010 is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 26 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest, as usual, was late by the standards of the appellation, occurring between October 12 and October 19. The alcohols are surprisingly modest by 2010 standards, 14.2%. As usual, this is one of the top wines of the vintage, but it needs a good decade of cellaring. It is much more backward and restrained than the 2009 was at the same stage, and seems even more tannic and structured than the 2005. It is a monumental wine for true connoisseurs who have the patience and discipline to cellar it for a good decade. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2060+. (98+) (2/ 2013)

96-97 points James Suckling

Very powerful. It sneaks up on you. It doesn't show its strength at first but then takes off with excellent ripe fruit, spices, chocolate and nuts. So long and exciting. I prefer the style to the 2009 by a hair. (4/ 2011)

94-97 points Wine Spectator

This is really gorgeous, with a flamboyant display of spice, warm linzer torte, blueberry and plum confiture aromas giving way to fleshy dark fruit and anise notes. Never overly weighty, with great cut and purity on the finish thanks to a superstrong graphite note. Shows power, precision and drive. (Web Only - 2011)

93-96 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon...) Very deep, opaque purple. Aromas of plum jelly, cassis, truffle and underbrush on the flamboyant, exotic nose and palate. A very pure Pavie, with enough acidity to carry the ripe fruit flavors through a long finish. Tannins are substantial and chewy but not dry, although one other sample I tried was marred by astringent tannins. This should age effortlessly. (6/ 2011)

Jancis Robinson

Slightly lower yields than 2010. Gentle aroma of sweet dark, dusty fruit pure with evident oak char and chocolate. Very firm and chewy grip but there's a softness in the mouth that is striking for Pavie. Dense and dark but with a fluid flourish at the end and good length. Enough freshness to balance. Lots of matière then the oak char comes back on the finish. A bit too dense for pleasure at the moment. 17/20 points. (4/ 2012)

K&L Notes

70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.