2017 Pavie Macquin (St-Emilion)

The 2017 Pavie-Macquin was picked at 34hl/ha from 20 September to 9 October and is matured in 60% new oak. I am quite smitten by the nose here, perhaps more than Larcis-Ducasse at this early stage – very pure with scents of black cherries, cassis and violet, showing a little more opulence than the aforementioned Saint-Émilion. The palate is sweet and sensual on the entry with blackberry, raspberry, a pinch of white pepper and spice. The tannins here feel very fine and the final half is unapologetically silky smooth in texture, the new oak seamlessly integrated. This could turn out to be one of the picks on the Right Bank. 92-94 points

80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark smudgy crimson. Pretty cassis aroma, with the graphite of Cabernet Franc and a touch of elderberry. Mouth-watering freshness, really fruity and rounded. Not fleshy; tight and balanced. Alive and persistent but not a great amount of depth. 16 points

The 2017 Pavie Macquin is deep garnet-purple in color and opens with flamboyant notes of warm black and red plums, black cherries and tilled soil with delicate touches of cloves, star anise, red roses and forest floor. Medium-bodied with a firm backbone of very finely grained, very ripe tannins and tons of freshness, it has wonderfully elegant yet intense fruit layers and a long, minerally finish. Just beautiful. 95-97 points