2015 Pavie Macquin (St-Emilion)

The 2015 Pavie-Macquin is a blend of 84% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon picked between 29 September and 17 October at 40 hl/ha. It has an almost decadent bouquet, perhaps more lascivious than the 2015 Larcis-Ducasse tasted alongside (as part of Nicolas Thienpont`s "stable"), with fig-tinged red cherry and blackberry fruit, powerful but perhaps needing to muster a little more finesse? The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet core of citrus-fresh fruit. There is more nuance and precision here at the moment, fleshy and sensual with blood orange and cassis layered over the exuberant finish. It should be a delicious Saint Emilion this year, although I feel that the Larcis-Ducasse will have the sophistication and more longevity. 91-93 points

84% Merlot, 16% Cabernet. Wonderful lifted fragrance this year. Lots of energy and minerality. Lovely texture and tannins with the tension ever present. Sweet fruit but not excessive. Builds on the finish. Still powerful but a refined power this year. Saline finish. 94 points

The 2015 Pavie Macquin is another tremendous wine from Nicolas Thienpont and his team. Inky, rich and voluptuous the 2015 is endowed with remarkable depth and plenty of underlying energy to back it all up. The flavors are dark, bold and incisive, as are the tannins. The 2015 is going to require quite a bit of time to come together, but it is impressive, that much is obvious. 93-96 points